Season 5 of Netflix’s gripping thriller, You, has recently been released. Beyond the drama of love turned obsession lies a disturbing reality – coercive control and abuse; these are not just fictional plot devices, but very real issues that family law deals with daily.
As family law professionals, we see first-hand how relationships can spiral. Whilst most cases don’t reach the extremes of Joe Goldberg’s behaviour, You raises real questions about what legal protections exist when love becomes dangerous.
Coercive control: more than just a buzzword
Since the Serious Crime Act 2015, coercive control has been a criminal offence in England and Wales. It includes behaviour designed to intimidate, isolate, or control a partner – commonly perpetrated without the use of physical force. Joe’s manipulation and surveillance tactics are prime examples of such conduct.
Section 76 of the Act makes it an offence to engage in a pattern of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship. Coercive control is a deliberate pattern of behaviour intended to control, isolate, or dominate another person, and it can cause significant harm, even without physical violence. The courts consider coercive control as a serious matter, and legal measures such as non-molestation orders and occupation orders may be available to help protect those at risk.
Violence and domestic abuse
Joe’s escalating violence towards his partners highlights the very real dangers of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is not only physical; it also includes emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises these forms of abuse as equally damaging, and again, applications, non-molestation orders and occupation orders can prevent further harm.
Child welfare
In the later seasons, Joe becomes a father. This introduces a further layer of concern; the welfare of the child. Courts in England and Wales place the child’s best interests at the heart of any decision. Where a parent’s behaviour is emotionally harmful or poses any risk to a child’s wellbeing, the family courts will take this into account when determining child arrangements. Under section 1 of the Children Act 1989, the child’s welfare is the court’s paramount consideration. To assess what is in the best interests of the child, the court applies the Welfare Checklist, which includes factors such as the child’s physical, emotional and educational needs; the likely effect of any change in circumstances; and any risk of harm the child may face.
Financial abuse in relationships: Joe’s experience with Kate Lockwood
In Season 5, Joe’s relationship with Kate Lockwood introduces a new dimension to his character’s experience of control and manipulation. Kate takes drastic steps to restrict Joe’s financial independence by cutting off his access to funds. This form of financial abuse, whereby one partner exerts control by limiting the other’s access to money, can be equally damaging and often goes unnoticed. Despite Joe’s history of being a perpetrator, his experience with Kate underscores that financial control can affect anyone, regardless of their past actions.
Economic abuse is recognised under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. This includes behaviours that control or restrict a person’s ability to manage their finances, often to keep them dependent on the abuser. Although Joe’s past actions have been reprehensible, his experience with Kate demonstrates that abuse is not limited to one direction. In cases of separation or divorce, the courts will take financial abuse into account when determining financial settlements.
How we can help
If you are experiencing issues, our team is here to help. We offer clear, confidential legal advice and support through every step of the process.
We specialise in:
• Divorce and financial settlements;
• Domestic abuse and protective orders;
• Child arrangements and safeguarding;
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements;
• Coercive control and abuse.
If you feel Franklins might be the right firm to advise you on your legal position, and you would like to enquire about when an initial appointment could be scheduled, contact our Family Law team on 01604 828282 / 01908 660966 or email [email protected]
Written by Nikita Bhara
Senior Family Solicitor, Family Law at Franklins Solicitors LLP
Specialises in child arrangements (including parental alienation and safeguarding), special guardianship, private adoption, parental responsibility, divorce, financial settlements, pre/post-nuptial agreements, protective injunctions, and name changes.
Nikita is a dedicated Family Law Solicitor at Franklins Solicitors LLP, with specialist expertise in complex children matters including parental alienation, safeguarding concerns, and child arrangements disputes. Since qualifying in 2018, she has built a strong reputation for guiding clients through high-conflict and emotionally sensitive cases with clarity and compassion.
Her experience spans private law adoption, special guardianship, parental responsibility, and protective injunctions, as well as matrimonial matters such as divorce, financial settlements, and pre/post-nuptial agreements.
A confident advocate, Nikita regularly represents clients in court, ensuring their voices are heard. She takes a calm, client-focused approach, providing practical advice and tailored support throughout each stage of the legal process.
