Understanding Coercive Control by Lis Hoyte

Understanding coercive control is vital for young people's safety and well-being. This form of abuse, often subtle and insidious, involves a pattern of behaviour which is controlling, coercive, intimidating, and oppressive. It strips away an individual's freedom and sense of self. Young people can be extremely susceptible which is why it needs to be addressed in the curriculum.

Building Safer School Environments
A focus on coercive control not only benefits young people but also contributes to a safer school environment. With heightened awareness and understanding, incidents of abuse (bullying) and peer pressure can decrease. Schools become places where young people can feel safe and respected, which in turn enhances academic performance and overall well-being.
Raising Awareness

Firstly, a coercive control curriculum raises awareness among young people about the signs and effects of psychological manipulation. Many might not even recognise they are victims of coercive control, whether in personal relationships or at home. By educating them on this form of abuse, schools empower young people to identify coercive behaviour. Awareness is the first step to prevention. Being aware though is simply not enough. Young people need to be given actionable strategies for dealing with coercive control.
Empowering Young People
Education empowers young people to take control of their own lives. By understanding coercive control, they are better equipped to set boundaries and recognise unhealthy behaviour and relationships. This knowledge will help with self-confidence, enabling young people to make informed choices and decisions that they feel comfortable with.
Promoting Healthy Relationships
A coercive control curriculum plays a pivotal role in promoting healthy relationships. In the curriculum materials that I have developed, young people learn about the importance of mutual respect, trust, and consent in an interactive manner. These lessons help shape their interactions with friends, family, and future partners. As I always say, this understanding can reduce the likelihood of entering into a coercive controlling relationship, breaking the cycle of power, control and entitlement.
Supporting each other
Educating young people about coercive control can also facilitate support for peers who may be experiencing such abuse. Young people become allies, offering a supportive network for victims who otherwise might suffer in silence. When schools cultivate an environment that promotes empathy and support, victims may feel more comfortable seeking help from teachers.

Teaching Coercive Control.
The curriculum materials which I have developed enable schools to align their safeguarding policies with national legal standards and underscore their commitment to young people’s welfare. It raises awareness, empowers individuals, promotes healthy relationships, supports victims, takes preventative action and builds safer educational environments. As I always say, having a coercive control curriculum will not eradicate coercive control (that requires perpetrators to be held accountable) but it will certainly help to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence amongst young people.

If you’d like to find out more about the support that Lis can offer with your curriculum, then do head over to her website.