Coercive Control in Ireland: What Counsellors Need to Know
Written by the ICPS College Academic Team · Reviewed by ICPS College faculty · Last reviewed: September 2026
Domestic abuse is not always physical. Many people who seek counselling describe relationships in which they gradually lost their freedom, confidence and sense of self, often without a single incident they could point to. Coercive control describes this pattern, and understanding it is essential for any practitioner who may encounter domestic abuse.
What is coercive control?
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour used to dominate, isolate and intimidate a partner. The concept, developed by Evan Stark, shifts attention from isolated incidents to the cumulative effect of ongoing control. Common features include:
Isolation from friends, family and sources of support.
Monitoring of phones, movements, messages or social media.
Controlling access to money, work, transport or medical care.
Humiliation, criticism, threats and intimidation.
Rules about appearance, behaviour or daily routines, with punishment for breaking them.
Threats involving children, pets, reputation or immigration.
Coercive control and Irish law
In Ireland, coercive control became a criminal offence under section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018, which came into force on 1 January 2019. The offence applies where a person knowingly and persistently engages in behaviour towards a spouse, civil partner or intimate partner that is controlling or coercive and has a serious effect on them. A serious effect includes causing the person to fear that violence will be used, or causing serious alarm or distress that has a substantial adverse impact on their day-to-day activities.
The impact on survivors
Survivors may present with anxiety, low mood, hypervigilance, shame, self-doubt and difficulty making decisions. Because control often escalates slowly, they may not identify their experience as abuse. Leaving can be the most dangerous time, so safety must remain central to any therapeutic work.
How counsellors can respond
Listen and believe: validation reduces shame and self-blame.
Assess risk carefully and revisit it regularly.
Support safety planning and signpost to specialist domestic abuse services.
Respect autonomy: the client decides when and whether to leave.
Avoid couples work where abuse is present, as it can increase risk.
Know your safeguarding duties, particularly where children are involved.
Support services in Ireland
The Women's Aid 24-hour National Freephone Helpline is 1800 341 900. Anyone in immediate danger should contact An Garda Síochána on 112 or 999.
Further training
The Professional Diploma in Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse is a live-online programme carrying 60 CPD credits. It covers coercive control, sexual abuse, trauma responses, risk assessment, safety planning, safeguarding and ethical practice for counsellors, psychotherapists and allied professionals.
Related ICPS College courses
References
Domestic Violence Act 2018 (No. 6 of 2018), section 39. Dublin: Government of Ireland.
Stark, E. (2007) Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life. New York: Oxford University Press.
Important information
This article is educational content for practitioners and learners. It is not a substitute for professional advice, counselling or therapy.
If you are struggling or in distress in Ireland, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123 or text HELLO to 50808 at any time. In an emergency, call 112 or 999.
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