Many people are familiar with the term ‘coercive and controlling behaviour’, which is an umbrella term for patterns of behaviour that control, influence and subjugate another person.  Such behaviour could be emotional, sexual or physical abuse; emotional manipulation; threats; humiliation; isolation intimidation; or other abuse used to harm, punish or frighten an individual.  The Crown Prosecution Service has recently added another pattern of behaviour to that list – ‘lovebombing’.  

Lovebombing involves big and showering acts of affection, particularly at the beginning of a relationship, with the purpose of persuading, confusing and manipulating an individual.  Lovebombing can also be intermittent acts designed to confuse an individual.  What can appear as attentive and affectionate (ie, sending flowers, regularly checking where someone is, regular gifts) can in time become controlling over an individual.  The CPS’ updated guidance sets out the varied, sophisticated and subtle ways that an individual can become manipulated so that another exerts control over them.  

The CPS has introduced the term with a particular focus on how such behaviour can minimize the likelihood of detection and punishment by an offender. Lovebombing can also adversely impact prosecutions because loving persuasion can be an effective tool in misleading criminal proceedings and weakening a prosecution case.  

In respect of coercive behaviours, where criminal law goes, family law tends to follow and so it is only a matter of time before lovebombing is also caught within the definition of coercive and controlling behaviour in family cases.

If you, or someone you know, is in an abusive relationship and needs help and guidance, further information can be found here