Walk the walk, slowly and carefully when centering women and survivors in the Perpetrator Work of Coercive Control: In conversation with Jo Todd.

The article focuses on the work of Jo Todd, leader of Respect, a UK organization dedicated to addressing domestic abuse through perpetrator intervention while centering the experiences of women and survivors. Todd emphasizes that perpetrator work aims to reduce the abuser’s control and create “space for action” for victims, primarily women and children, acknowledging the gendered nature of coercive control. The criminalization of coercive control in the UK is recognized as a significant but challenging step, with low prosecution rates and ongoing difficulties in differentiating abusive from unhappy relationships. Todd advocates for a justice approach that balances punishment, protection, rehabilitation, and survivor-centeredness, stressing the complexity of change and the importance of collaboration between perpetrator programs and the women’s sector. She also highlights the need for inclusive, accountable, and carefully developed responses that consider diverse survivor experiences and the long-term nature of this work.