“Who are you talking to?” “Show me your phone.” “I handle your money, it’s simpler.” One of these sentences alone proves nothing. But when they pile up, they can form a system.
What are we talking about?
Coercive control is a set of repeated behaviours that gradually reduce a partner’s freedom: isolation, surveillance, control of money, of outings, of the phone, threats. Physical violence is not required: it is the whole set of behaviours that makes the violence. No single act needs to be spectacular.
Where does the law stand?
On 13 October 2026, the French National Assembly adopted the comprehensive law against sexist and sexual violence, without a single vote against. However, every proposal to write coercive control into the law was rejected. The debate resumes in the Senate in January. The United Kingdom criminalised it as early as 2015, and Belgium has already written it into its law.
What is already punished today
Harassment by a partner or former partner is punishable by 3 years in prison and a €45,000 fine (article 222-33-2-1 of the Criminal Code). The sentence rises to 5 years and €75,000 in certain aggravated cases. Geolocating someone without their consent is also an offence (article 226-1).
The right reflexes
- Write down the facts (dates, messages, witnesses). Taken one by one they seem harmless, but together they become evidence.
- The 3919 helpline answers free of charge and anonymously, 24/7.