A Suffolk domestic abuse charity warns coercive control can leave victims without hope
It follows a national report which recorded more than 500 suspected suicides following domestic abuse over the past five years.
A domestic abuse charity has warned coercive and controlling behaviour can leave victims feeling trapped and isolated as national figures highlight the number of suspected suicides linked to abuse.
A report analysing police-recorded domestic homicides recorded 553 suspected suicides following domestic abuse over the last five years.
The report found 347 deaths linked to domestic abuse were recorded in the year to March 2025.
"Early intervention is critical"
Speaking to us, Rhys Lloyd, from Leeway said coercive control could have a devastating impact on victims’ mental health and wellbeing.
“When somebody experiences prolonged coercive control, emotional abuse and manipulation, they can begin to feel there is no escape,” he said.
“Over time, people can become isolated from friends, family and support networks, and they can lose confidence in themselves and their ability to leave the situation.”
Mr Lloyd said abuse was not always physical and could involve emotional, psychological and financial control.
“A lot of the time it’s about power and control,” he said.
He added that victims may struggle to seek help because they fear they will not be believed or supported.
“That’s why early intervention is absolutely critical,” he said.
“We need people to understand the warning signs and we need services to be accessible before situations reach crisis point.”
The report also found there had been 17 cases in the past five years where domestic abuse charges were brought after a victim took their own life.
Campaigners are calling for a specific criminal offence covering suicide following domestic abuse, separate from manslaughter.
Mr Lloyd said education and awareness around healthy relationships remained vital.
“We have to continue educating people about what healthy relationships look like,” he said.
“We also need victims to know support is available and that they will be listened to.”
Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, the national policing lead for domestic abuse, said police forces were increasingly recognising the link between domestic abuse and suicide.
Speaking as the report was published, she said some of the increase in recorded cases was linked to improved understanding and recording practices by police.
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips described every death linked to domestic abuse as a “devastating tragedy”.
Help available
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, support is available through the Samaritans on 116 123 and through domestic abuse organisations including Refuge and Survivors in Transition.