Coercive Control is Being Misdiagnosed as Mental Illness
The Hidden Harm Project is shining a light on how medical systems are failing victims of domestic abuse by labelling trauma as psychiatric disorders.
Demand Better Assessment Now#TheHiddenHarmProject
The Hidden Harm
Coercive Control
A pattern of behaviour designed to dominate, isolate, and control. It includes emotional abuse, financial control, monitoring, gaslighting, isolation from support networks, and more. It doesn't always leave physical marks—but it destroys lives.
Misdiagnosis & Labelling
Instead of recognising abuse, GPs, Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) teams, and crisis services often diagnose anxiety, depression, PTSD, or even psychosis. Victims are medicated and sent back into danger.
The Consequences
Labelling suppresses the truth of the abuse. It leads to victim-blaming ("it's your mental illness"), returns people to abusive environments, and prevents access to proper domestic abuse support and holistic care.
— Survivor
Our Call to Action
We demand that healthcare professionals assess for coercive control before diagnosing and medicating.
For GPs, EIP & Crisis Teams
- Screen every patient presenting with mental health symptoms for domestic abuse & coercive control
- Understand the overlap between trauma responses and psychiatric labels
- Signpost to specialist domestic abuse services and holistic support
- Stop returning victims to abusive environments through misdiagnosis
Why It Matters
Coercive control creates the very symptoms being treated as "mental illness." Proper assessment saves lives. It empowers victims with truth instead of shame.
Diagnosis without safety assessment is dangerous.
Learn More • Get Support • Take Action
Recognise the Signs
Isolation from family/friends • Constant monitoring • Financial control • Gaslighting • Threats to harm or leave • Degrading comments • Restricting access to services.
Support Services
UK: Women's Aid, Refuge, National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Search for local specialist coercive control support.
For Professionals
Training resources on trauma-informed care and coercive control screening coming soon.
Join The Movement
Share your story. Sign the petition. Demand training and policy change. Help break the cycle of hidden harm.
Follow #TheHiddenHarmProject on social media
