Coercive Control
Expert Witness Reports
Our chambers prepares CPR Part 35-compliant coercive control expert witness reports for criminal, family, and civil proceedings. Members of our chambers assess the psychological impact of coercive and controlling behaviour under Serious Crime Act 2015 s.76, addressing causation, severity, and prognosis in line with Practice Direction 35 and the Civil Justice Council 2014 Guidance.
The expert evidence
courts require in coercive control cases.
Our chambers prepares coercive control assessment reports for criminal prosecutions, family proceedings under Children Act 1989, and civil claims involving psychological abuse. Members of our chambers hold GMC Specialist Register or HCPC registration, ensuring compliance with CPR Part 35 and FPR 25.
Coercive control expert witness reports address the cumulative psychological impact of controlling behaviours, linking patterns of abuse to recognised psychiatric injuries under ICD-11 or DSM-5-TR. Our reports are structured to meet the Crown Prosecution Service’s evidential threshold for s.76 offences and family court requirements under Re B-S.
Three stages where
a coercive control report is critical.
Pre-charge decision
Our chambers accepts instructions from the Crown Prosecution Service to assess whether the alleged behaviour meets the s.76 threshold of “serious effect” under Serious Crime Act 2015. Reports address the cumulative impact of controlling behaviours, supporting charging decisions where evidence is borderline.
Family proceedings
In Children Act 1989 proceedings, our coercive control assessment reports evaluate the psychological harm to children exposed to domestic abuse. Reports are structured to meet FPR 25 requirements, addressing the welfare checklist and supporting findings of fact under Re W.
Civil compensation claims
For civil claims involving psychological injury, our reports link coercive control to recognised psychiatric disorders, addressing causation under the Bolam test. Reports are prepared for CICA applications, redress schemes, and personal injury claims where psychological abuse is the primary harm.
What a coercive control
report includes.
Expert credentials
GMC Specialist Register or HCPC registration, MRCPsych or BPS Chartered status, and the expert’s medico-legal experience in coercive control cases. Compliance with CPR 35.3 and Practice Direction 35 is confirmed in the declaration.
Background history
Personal, social, and psychiatric history to establish the claimant’s pre-abuse baseline. Records from GP, mental health services, and police are reviewed to identify patterns of coercive behaviour and their temporal link to symptom onset.
Account of abuse
The claimant’s narrative of coercive behaviours, recorded verbatim where possible. The expert’s clinical observations on consistency, emotional affect, and any signs of psychological trauma are documented to support diagnostic reasoning.
Mental state examination
Clinical findings from the assessment, including standardised instruments such as the PCL-5 or DASS-21 where indicated. Diagnosis under ICD-11 or DSM-5-TR is provided with differential diagnosis where relevant.
Opinion on impact
The expert’s reasoned opinion on the psychological impact of coercive control, addressing the “serious effect” threshold under s.76. Where multiple stressors exist, apportionment is provided where the evidence permits.
Prognosis & treatment
Expected future course of the claimant’s condition with and without treatment. Recommendations for therapy, medication, or support are provided to inform quantum in civil claims or welfare decisions in family proceedings.
CPR Part 35 declaration
Signed statement of truth confirming compliance with CPR 35.3 and the expert’s overriding duty to the court. Independence from the instructing party is expressly declared in accordance with CPR 35.7.
How our assessments
are conducted.
Our members conduct coercive control assessments using trauma-informed methodologies, ensuring compliance with CPR Part 35 and the Civil Justice Council 2014 Guidance. Each step is documented to withstand scrutiny in joint expert discussions or cross-examination.
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01
Records review
Full review of police reports, GP records, mental health notes, and any prior statements. Material entries are identified in the report to support the temporal link between coercive behaviours and psychological symptoms.
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02
Clinical interview
Structured interview lasting 2–3 hours, conducted at a venue of the claimant’s choice. The expert uses open-ended questions to elicit patterns of coercive control, with breaks offered to manage distress.
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03
Standardised tools
Where clinically indicated, instruments such as the Controlling Behaviours Scale or PTSD measures are administered. Selection and rationale are documented in the report to meet CPR 35.6 requirements.
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04
Formulation
Clinical formulation linking the coercive behaviours to the claimant’s current presentation. The expert addresses alternative explanations for symptoms, such as pre-existing conditions or unrelated stressors.
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05
Report drafting
The report is prepared in compliance with Practice Direction 35, with clear signposting of key findings. Opinions are supported by reference to the evidence base and the expert’s clinical experience.
Every legal context where
coercive control evidence is required.
Our chambers accepts instructions for coercive control expert witness reports across criminal, family, and civil jurisdictions. Reports are tailored to meet the evidential standards of each court or tribunal.
Questions from
solicitors instructing our chambers.
What is the legal threshold for coercive control under s.76?
Both. The Serious Crime Act 2015 s.76 requires proof that the perpetrator’s behaviour had a “serious effect” on the victim, either by causing fear of violence on at least two occasions or by causing serious alarm or distress affecting daily activities. Our reports address this threshold by linking specific behaviours to psychological harm under ICD-11 or DSM-5-TR.
Can a coercive control expert witness report be used in family court?
Yes. Our reports are prepared in compliance with FPR 25 and Practice Direction 25B, addressing the welfare checklist under Children Act 1989. They evaluate the psychological impact of coercive control on both the primary victim and any children exposed to the abuse.
How do your experts address the overlap with modern slavery?
By clinical formulation. Coercive control is recognised as a mechanism underpinning labour, sexual, and criminal exploitation. Our reports distinguish between domestic abuse and exploitation-related coercion, addressing patterns of compliance and delayed disclosure where relevant.
What records are required for a coercive control assessment?
Core records include: police incident logs, GP and mental health records, any prior statements, and records from refuges or domestic abuse services. Where available, text messages, emails, or social media evidence are reviewed to corroborate patterns of coercive behaviour.
Can your experts assess historic coercive control cases?
Yes. Our members assess historic cases where psychological harm persists, addressing limitation under s.33 Limitation Act 1980 where applicable. Reports link past coercive behaviours to current psychiatric symptoms, supported by clinical evidence.
Do your reports comply with CPR Part 35?
Yes. All reports include the CPR 35 declaration, statement of truth, and confirmation of independence under CPR 35.3. Our experts are available for joint discussions under CPR 35.12 and to respond to Part 35 questions within the prescribed timeframe.
Need a coercive control
expert witness for your case?
Send a brief case summary — jurisdiction, procedural stage, and any time-critical deadlines — and our chambers will confirm expert availability, scope, and timetable within one working day.