PCC urges people to watch coercive behaviour documentary

Donna Jones, Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner, has encouraged viewers to watch Channel 4’s Controlled: Can I Trust My Partner? (Untold), a documentary broadcast on Thursday, December 18, which explores coercive and controlling relationships.

The programme highlights Project Foundation, a scheme funded by Ms Jones that sees Hampshire Constabulary work with domestic abuse charity Hampton Trust to intervene with repeat offenders.

Hampshire police and crime commissioner Donna Jones. (Image: Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner)

Ms Jones said: "Coercive and controlling behaviour ruins lives, especially for young people who may not realise that behaviour they describe as toxic is actually criminal behaviour.

"Unhealthy relationships often begin with love bombing, grand gestures and constant attention, before shifting to isolation and control. Victims can feel trapped, isolated, and blame themselves."

The documentary explores how controlling behaviour can begin subtly in relationships before escalating into full abuse.

It also focuses on the difficulties of tackling this issue under current UK law.

Project Foundation demonstrates how police and charities can work together to prevent offending from escalating.

The initiative involves unannounced visits to repeat domestic abuse offenders to disrupt the cycle of behaviour, and experienced practitioners then work with offenders to address underlying issues in their lives to help them change their behaviour.

Det Supt Nicola Burton, who leads on domestic abuse for Hampshire police, said: "Don’t give your partner the benefit of the doubt if you spot controlling behaviour, it’s a red flag. It’s not your fault.

"Sudden changes, or ‘love bombing’ followed by withdrawal, can leave you thinking it’s you, or that things will return to how they were. They rarely do.

"Please reach out, the police recognise the signs and we are here to help."

Offenders are identified through police data and receive support to address underlying problems contributing to their behaviour.

Chantal Hughes, CEO of Hampton Trust, said: "When challenged by their partners, individuals using harmful behaviours in relationships often promise to change.

"However, experience shows that real change requires specialist support. Working closely with the police not only disrupts abusive behaviour but also enables us to address the root causes and support long-term behaviour change."

Ms Jones said she was grateful to Channel 4 for shedding light on the work being done to address domestic abuse and protect victims.