Petition · Ministry of Justice
Make coercive control in under-16s relationships a criminal offence
Open for signatures
143 signatures
What the petition asks
Amend the Serious Crime Act 2015 so controlling or coercive behaviour in intimate relationships between under-16s is a criminal offence. Current law only applies where both parties are 16 or over, which can leave younger victims without protection.
Children under 16 can experience serious patterns of control, manipulation and abuse within relationships, yet current law does not allow this to be prosecuted as coercive control. We believe this creates a gap where harmful behaviour is recognised but not chargeable. Extending the law could ensure younger victims are protected and abusive behaviour in teenage relationships is properly addressed.
Timeline
| 14 May 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
143
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
14 May 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.