Coercive Control Research
Dr Emma Katz’s research is at the leading edge of investigations into how coercive control perpetrated by fathers against mothers harms the couple’s children.
What is coercive control?
The term ‘coercive control’ describes the system of abuse that domestic violence and abuse perpetrators use over a long period of time to gain dominance, to trap the victim-survivor, and to make the victim-survivor change their behaviour in ways that make their lives smaller, more vulnerable and more dedicated to serving the perpetrator.
Emma’s contribution to coercive control research
Emma wrote the world’s first research-based academic book on children and coercive control. The book is called Coercive Control in Children’s and Mothers’ Lives (Oxford University Press). It highlights how coercive control can affect children’s everyday lives, limiting and restricting what they can and cannot do each day. The book also draws attention to the problem of post-separation coercive control, where perpetrators continue to abuse their ex-partners and children after separation or divorce. Emma uses her social media presence, including her popular platform on Substack, to communicate her research to the public. Her Substack articles are read by tens of thousands of people in more than 100 countries. She also has substantial followings on Instagram, LinkedIn and other platforms. In terms of the impacts of Emma’s work, it is continually being used to train professionals around the world to respond appropriately and effectively to coercive control. Her work has been cited in government policy documents and mentioned in parliaments. She has been invited to present her work in more than a dozen countries, including Singapore and Brazil. As a high-profile expert, Emma is frequently asked to give her views on some of the most talked-about celebrity cases of alleged domestic abuse. She has appeared in many major news outlines and magazines, including BBC News, ITV News and Glamour magazine. She has also previously acted as an advisor to the TV programme Hollyoaks, giving guidance on the development of a storyline that featured coercive control.
