Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control
Understanding the Physiology of Abuse
According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 3 women globally will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often from an intimate partner. Globally, this equates to over 736 million women affected by violence.
But domestic abuse is not limited to one gender, culture or background.
It affects people of all genders, sexualities, cultures and communities and it often remains hidden behind closed doors. In the UK alone, an estimated 2.3 million adults experience domestic abuse every year, and the impact is felt far beyond the home in schools, workplaces, healthcare systems and public services.
(Office for National Statistics, 2023)
Young people are also increasingly affected
The NSPCC has reported rising calls to Childline from teenagers, particularly girls, who are experiencing controlling or abusive behaviours in relationships but do not recognise the signs of coercive control.
At the same time, conversations around toxic masculinity, gender norms and online influences are raising new concerns about how young people learn about relationships and power.
The reality is simple: Domestic abuse and coercive control are everywhere, yet they are still widely misunderstood.
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Our CPD / CE Accredited Workshops
The Mental Wellbeing Company delivers trauma informed, physiology-first education designed to help organisations and professionals better understand domestic abuse and coercive control.
The Physiology of Domestic Abuse
& Coercive Control
90-minute workshop or 3-hour extended training
All sessions are CPD / CE accredited. This workshop explores:
- The nervous system impact of domestic abuse
- Why survivors may struggle to leave or speak up
- Trauma bonds and survival responses
- How coercive control affects behaviour, health and decision-making
- How professionals can respond in trauma informed ways
This training helps organisations move beyond theory and begin to understand what abuse actually does to the body.
Relationship Red Flags for Teenagers
Alongside our professional training, we also deliver Relationship Red Flags workshops for teenagers in schools or a shortened version for a school assembly.
Young people are increasingly exposed to unhealthy relationship dynamics online and in peer culture, yet many have never been taught what healthy relationships actually look like.
This workshop helps students understand:
- the early warning signs of coercive control
- emotional manipulation and unhealthy behaviours
- the role of respect, boundaries and consent
- how to seek support if something doesn’t feel right
By educating young people early, we can help prevent patterns of abuse before they begin.
Who This Training Is For
Our workshops are designed for any organisation or service that works with people.
This includes:
- Schools and educational settings
- Workplace wellbeing programmes
- Public sector organisations
- Healthcare professionals
- Social workers and safeguarding teams
- Police and legal professionals
- Coaches, therapists and support workers
- Community organisations and charities
Wherever people are supported, trauma informed knowledge is essential.
Bringing Trauma-Informed Awareness Into the Spaces That Need It Most
Domestic abuse and coercive control affect far more than the individual survivor.
They impact children, workplaces, healthcare systems and entire communities.
By understanding the physiology of abuse, organisations can create safer environments where people are seen, understood and supported appropriately.
Education is the first step in creating real change.
And that change starts with understanding.
Book a Call
If your organisation, school or workplace would like to explore The Physiology of Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control workshop or our Relationship Red Flags for Teens programme, we would love to speak with you.
Book a call with our team to discuss how this training could support your organisation.
Book a Call
Sources for statistics:
World Health Organization – Violence Against Women Global Estimates (2021)
Office for National Statistics UK – Domestic Abuse Prevalence (2023)
NSPCC Childline Annual Review (latest available)
Want to deliver this work in your community as a certified practitioner?
Explore our practitioner pathway and partner network.
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Trading Address:
West Tithe
Pury Hill Business Park
Northants, NN12 7LS.