Time to Charge False Accusers with Coercive Control
- Falsely Accused Network
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Michael Thompson, Founder of Falsely Accused Network
Let’s talk about the offence of coercive control — because it’s time we flipped the script.
Under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015, coercive or controlling behaviour is a criminal offence in England and Wales. The law is clear: if someone repeatedly engages in behaviour that has a serious effect on their partner or ex-partner — causing fear of violence, or serious alarm or distress that affects day-to-day life — then they’ve committed a crime. And they can go to prison for it.
But here’s the issue. This law is being used almost exclusively against men, with barely any consideration of how it applies to women who make false allegations of domestic abuse.
False allegations are not just lies — they are a form of psychological warfare. When a man is falsely accused, he’s often kicked out of his home, loses access to his children, and has his entire life put under a microscope. His reputation is trashed. His mental health collapses. He may be arrested in front of his neighbours, his children taken from him overnight, and his job put at risk — all because of a lie. In many cases, the accuser knows full well that their story isn’t true. And yet they watch the destruction unfold, without a flicker of guilt.
That is coercive control.
It’s calculated, malicious, and designed to dominate and punish. It fits the legal definition perfectly:
Repeated behaviour? Check.
Personally connected? Check.
Serious effect on the victim’s life? Absolutely.
The accuser knew what they were doing? Without a doubt.
So why aren’t these women being charged?
The CPS and the police claim that false allegations are “rare.” They’re not. At Falsely Accused Network, we hear from men every day who’ve been targeted in this way. We’ve seen texts, voice notes, and even admissions where the accuser admits she made it all up. And still, no charges. Meanwhile, the man is left to pick up the pieces, while his accuser faces no consequences — free to do it again to someone else.
This is a matter of basic justice. If the law is going to treat coercive control seriously, then it has to apply it evenly. If making someone live in constant fear of being arrested, humiliated, or losing their children isn’t coercive, then what is?
We are calling for a proper review of how coercive control is applied — and for false accusers to be prosecuted under this law. Not just for perverting the course of justice, not just for wasting police time — but for coercive and controlling behaviour.
Because that’s what it is.
Let’s stop pretending otherwise.
At Falsely Accused Network, we provide vital support to anyone in England and Wales who has been falsely accused of domestic abuse. Our confidential helpline and online community offer practical guidance, emotional reassurance, and we can link you up with trusted legal professionals and McKenzie friends.Whether you're at the start of the process or navigating complex legal challenges, you don’t have to face it alone.
Visit www.falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk or call us on 0204 538 8788 to get the support you deserve.