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Complaint about coercive and controlling behaviour

A documented, safety-aware complaint to police and a specialist service about a former partner’s pattern of controlling conduct.

Jurisdiction: England and Wales - completed fictional worked example

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Important: This sample provides general legal information only and is not legal advice. Check the law, prescribed forms and signing requirements that apply to your exact jurisdiction and circumstances before use.

# COMPLAINT ABOUT COERCIVE AND CONTROLLING BEHAVIOUR

Date: 6 May 2025

Parties: From Daniel Morgan, complainant, concerning former partner Sophie Reed, to Avon and Somerset Police safeguarding team

## 1. Subject and safe contact

I report a continuing pattern by my former partner Sophie Reed, rather than a single disagreement. Please contact me only through my solicitor, Hart & Cole, and do not disclose my current address. I am making this report from a safe location; if there is immediate danger I will call 999 and will not confront Sophie.

## 2. Pattern and chronology

Between 12 January and 30 April 2025 Sophie demanded access to my bank app, required photographs proving where I was, cancelled my counselling appointment on 4 February, and contacted my employer on 18 March claiming I was unstable. On 22 April she threatened to publish private photographs unless I returned her keys. I ended cohabitation on 10 January; the conduct continued after separation.

## 3. Legal and procedural basis

I ask police to assess whether the pattern may amount to controlling or coercive behaviour and to record the domestic-abuse context, without me asserting that an offence is proved. Please explain the current reporting, evidence and safeguarding process; charging decisions belong to the police and prosecutors. This complaint is not a substitute for an emergency call or a court application.

## 4. Requested response

Within 14 days, by 20 May 2025, please confirm the crime or incident reference, a safe contact route, a risk assessment, and available protective options. Please preserve any relevant digital evidence and tell me how to provide it. I will also seek specialist support and legal advice; I understand no particular investigation or outcome can be guaranteed.

## 5. Enclosures and status

I enclose a dated incident schedule, copies of the 4 February cancellation email and 22 April messages, the employer’s 18 March note, and Hart & Cole’s authority to communicate. The originals remain on my device. Signed, Daniel Morgan, complainant, 6 May 2025.

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