Coercive Control in Intimate Partner Relationships Has Devastating Effects on Survivors' Mental Health

Strategic Insights -

A comprehensive qualitative systematic review by researchers at the Royal Holloway - University of London has highlighted the prevalence and far-reaching consequences of coercive control in intimate partner relationships. The study, conducted between 2009 and 2023, analyzed 31 studies on women's experiences of coercive control and intimate partner violence. The research found that survivors of coercive control often report feelings of constant fear, inability to exercise agency, and poor mental health outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Coercive control is a highly prevalent form of intimate partner violence globally, affecting millions of people worldwide.
  • Survivors of coercive control often experience a constant state of fear, which restricts their ability to leave the relationship.
  • The research found seven themes in survivors' experiences: Core coercive control, inability to exercise agency, living in fear and unpredictability, co-occurring abuse, professionals' involvement, life post-separation, and mental health impact.
  • The study emphasizes the need for more professional awareness and training about coercive control, as well as targeted interventions to support survivors' mental health.
  • Coercive control has significant repercussions on survivors' lives, including on their health, opportunities, and well-being.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed 31 studies from 2009 to 2023.
  • 70% of the studies reported poor mental health outcomes in survivors.
  • 85% of the studies highlighted the constant state of fear experienced by survivors.
  • The research emphasizes the need for urgent action to address the mental health and psychological experiences of survivors of coercive control.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Mental Health Diseases and Conditions Study Results Reported from Royal Holloway - University of London (Women's Experiences of Coercive Control In Intimate Partner Relationships: a Qualitative Systematic Review). psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 574.
  • Women's Experiences of Coercive Control In Intimate Partner Relationships: a Qualitative Systematic Review. Journal of Family Violence, 2025.
  • Springer|plenum Publishers.