In a landmark case that unfolded in July 2022, a member of An Garda Síochána was convicted of the offence of coercive control. This conviction marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for survivors of coercive control and domestic abuse. Now, a courageous survivor of his abuse, Nicola, has decided to share her harrowing story in a new RTÉ documentary. Taking Back Control directed by Trevor Birney, and produced by Fine Point Films (Quinn Country) for RTÉ, airs on Monday, December 11th at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
Nicola was a key witness in the prosecution’s case against her abuser. At the same time, she was living with terminal cancer. She has now chosen to reveal her full identity on screen, to shed light on the pervasive issue of coercive control and domestic abuse within relationships. Taking Back Control provides an unflinching account of the abuse she endured and the strength it took to reclaim the rest of her life.
Nicola’s decision to relinquish her anonymity was made to help break the cycle of silence that often shrouds victims of domestic abuse and coercive control. By sharing her story, she hopes to empower others to seek help and support, emphasizing that no one should endure such abuse in silence.
Taking Back Control aims to encourage conversations about what coercive control actually looks like, how it differs from other forms of abuse, what victims can do to escape it, and how cases are prosecuted since changes to the Domestic Violence Act were enforced in 2019. It also raises questions about how abusers can be allowed to weaponize positions of power and trust, to tighten their grip on victims and convince them that they are helpless or will not be believed if they seek help. By telling her story Nicola also hopes to shed light on the early signs of unhealthy and potentially unsafe relationships, and to empower victims and their families and friends to recognise these signs and act before it’s too late.
Watch Taking Back Control, Monday, 11th December at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
