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Coercive control

In some countries, yes. England and Wales made repeated or continuous controlling or coercive behaviour a criminal offense in December 2015, and Scotland, Ireland and two Australian states built their own versions. The United States has no federal equivalent in the sources reviewed here. Canada's bill passed the House of Commons unanimously and still never became law.

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Is Emotional Abuse a Crime? Where a Pattern of Control Is Its Own Offense

England and Wales made a pattern of control a criminal offense in 2015; Scotland, Ireland and two Australian states followed. The US has no federal equivalent.

Sep 10, 2026·28 min read·United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia, Japan

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CountryArticles
United KingdomIs Emotional Abuse a Crime? Where a Pattern of Control Is Its Own Offense
IrelandIs Emotional Abuse a Crime? Where a Pattern of Control Is Its Own Offense
United StatesIs Emotional Abuse a Crime? Where a Pattern of Control Is Its Own Offense
CanadaIs Emotional Abuse a Crime? Where a Pattern of Control Is Its Own Offense
AustraliaIs Emotional Abuse a Crime? Where a Pattern of Control Is Its Own Offense
JapanIs Emotional Abuse a Crime? Where a Pattern of Control Is Its Own Offense
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