This seminar explored coercive and controlling behaviour among people in intimate or family relationships. Speakers discussed the psychology of coercion, as well as mental capacity assessments in this context, for example how ComplexPTSD may be considered an impairment, or disturbance in the functioning of, the mind or brain.

The seminar outlined some of the case law around coercive and controlling behaviour, examining the interface between the jurisdiction of the CoP and the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court. The topic also was relevant to criminal practitioners considering the offence under s.76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015: controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

The Speakers were:
Dr Oliver Lewis, Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers
Zoe Harper, Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers
Gemma Daly, Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers
Nancy Williams, Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers
Professor Rod DubrowMarshall, PhD, MBPsS, the University of Glamorgan, Wales, UK