Prosecutors have been warned about ‘love-bombing’ as a tactic abusive partners may use to confuse and control their victims, in updated guidance issued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The guidance, published on Monday, looks at the need for prosecutors to “closely scrutinise” the actions of suspects who manipulate their partners to control their lives and take steps to disrupt or mislead criminal proceedings.
‘Love-bombing’ is described as seemingly loving acts such as sending flowers and gifts, texting and calling – among other behaviours – to assert control over their victims.
The guidance says prosecutors should consider whether these acts form part of the course of conduct.
Other tactics listed in the guidance are suspects taking manipulative steps to disrupt the investigation, accusing the victim of “nagging”, exploiting the victim’s vulnerability – such as disability or immigration status – and altering behaviour.
When building a case, prosecutors must now consider how the offender’s actions have impacted the victim’s behaviour.
The guidance sets out how prosecutors should look for evidence showing the changes a victim has made in their lifestyle.
Prosecutors must also look at stalking, harassment and controlling or coercive behaviour alongside other available charges.
‘Bringing offenders of violence against women and girls to justice our priority’
Chief Crown Prosecutor Kate Brown, national lead for domestic abuse at the CPS, said: “Our prosecutors consider all the evidence, including how a suspect’s actions have impacted the victim, to build a picture of their manipulative behaviour and present a robust case in court.
“These controlling offences can quickly escalate and that is why we’re absolutely committed to prosecuting wherever our legal test is met and will always seek out relevant orders to protect victims.
“Bringing offenders of violence against women and girls to justice is our priority and we are working hard to drive improvements for victims of these crimes.”
Controlling and coercive behaviour
The offence of controlling and coercive behaviour (CCB) was introduced in December 2015.
The CPS has said a pattern of CCB can be established before a single incident is reported.
Building on examples within the Statutory Guidance Framework – some behaviours of the suspect can include:
• Isolating the victim from friends and family
• Monitoring the victim’s time
• Using spyware or online tools to monitor the victim’s communication online
• Repeatedly putting the victim down and telling them they are worthless
• Threatening to kill or hurt the victim
• Threatening to reveal or publish personal and private information
• Depriving the victim of their basic needs
• Taking the victim’s wages, benefits or allowances
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London’s Victims’ Commissioner, Claire Waxman, said she worked closely with the CPS to update the prosecution guidance so that “we can better identify and help victims who are experiencing stalking or controlling and coercive behaviour”.
“This was always going to be difficult guidance to clarify, as we do see similar behaviours of suspects with these offences,” she added.
“That’s why it’s critical that this guidance is supported with specialist training for both Police and Prosecutors to help them better identify the behaviour of suspects, the risk to victims, and ensure the right charges are being applied in these complex cases.”
