Coercive control

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request ref: 01/FIN/25/003918/Q

Version Date: 02/12/2025

The Performance Analysis Department and the Resourcing & Development Department have provided the following information:

To obtain the answers for the first two questions, the Performance Analysis Department undertook searches on Niche Crime Universe for all crimes with the Home Office code 008/67; the ‘arrested’ filter was then applied to answer the first question whilst the ‘latest stats class status is charged’ filter was applied for the second question.

I would like to request the following information for the period 29th December 2015 to 1 October 2025. Please break those figures down by calendar year (or partial calendar year where applicable).

The number of arrests for coercive control.

The number of charges for coercive control.

Please provide the following information outlining the current situation for your force:

What training do you provide to officers regarding domestic abuse and coercive control (as defined in the Serious Crime Act 2015)?

All Dorset Police Officers and Police Staff Investigators are trained to deal with domestic abuse incidents and investigations including those involving coercive control.

It is part of the National Policing Curriculum (NPC) from the College of Policing and is built into the Police Constable Entry Routes (PCER) and Police Staff Investigator (PSI PIP1) programmes as mandated learning, as well as subsequent Detective PIP2 pathway courses.

The Force also provides CPD and enhanced Domestic Abuse training using the licenced DA Matters programmes (Responder and Investigative Hydra) for all frontline officers and Detectives.

Please provide details of the nature of this training, including:
Whether it is mandatory or optional.

Training is mandatory for those in initial training, along with PSI’s and those completing the PIP1 and PIP2 courses.

Is it part of initial training when officers join the force?

Yes, it is part of the initial training.

How frequently must they complete refreshers courses?

Refreshers are undertaken based upon identified need. The force undertakes regular vulnerability training and domestic abuse is a frequest topic within the annual schedule for vulnerability.

The number of your officers trained to handle domestic abuse incidents - including coercive control. 
The number of your officers who have not completed this training.

Please note, the following figures do not include those in initial training because it is part of their mandated learning program.

DA Matter Investigate Hydra – 191 attendees

DA Matters Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Training – 740 attendees

DA Matters Champion – 29 attendees

As at 17/11/2025, 247 Officers are outstanding completion of the training. Please note that this is subject to an ongoing training process to train the remaining staff.