THE harrowing story of a Thurrock woman who was subject to domestic abuse took centre stage at a conference this week to mark Essex Police's 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse awareness campaign.

Officers from the force participated in the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Abuse Board's (SETDAB) annual conference to discuss the work they are doing around coercive and controlling behaviour.

The conference was made up of 220 representatives from agencies and organisations working to help tackle domestic abuse.

There have been 392 more offences in the 12 months up to October 2019 compared to the same period the year before. There were 671 reported offences between October 2018 and 2019.

Megan Hiscock, head of Essex Police's Strategic Centre, gave a presentation, and afterwards said: "It is clear from the increased reports that there is more awareness around coercive and controlling behaviour and that people have the confidence to report this abuse to us.

"Yesterday's conference gave us an opportunity to talk about the work we are doing to help victims and survivors and how we work closely with our partners to provide safeguarding while seeking convictions.

"Policing and procedures have evolved and there are more resources available to help us respond to coercive and control offences.

"The conference allowed us to talk about how we are managing an increase in offences, the powers available to police and it gave us an opportunity to talk about some positive outcomes, including our first charge, some recent custodial sentences and how survivors are moving on forward with their lives."

One of those cases was the sentencing of the former husband of Natalie Curtis in October 2018, who received a two year sentence and an indefinite restraining order for coercive and controlling behaviour.

Natalie was supported by Grays Domestic Abuse Investigations Team after she reported being abused in July 2018.

Since the conviction Natalie has become an ambassador for Women's Aid, including attending a fashion event with former Spice Girl Mel B to help raise awareness about domestic abuse.

Natalie also spoke in the House of Commons at the Employee Initiative for Domestic Abuse (EIDA) Network meeting in April this year and has given several interviews to national and local media.

Natalie said: "To have a team of officers from Essex Police that were trained and aware of this devastating crime made my experience in reporting what was happening in my life at the time so much easier to explain.

"Some of the behaviours experienced may seem subtle, like a slow drip, but over time it gets progressively worse and you begin to question your own sanity. You're walking on constant egg shells and not being able to process normal day to day life.

"When I fled my home in 2018 in fear of my life and called Essex Police, I was listened to, believed and supported by the domestic abuse team. They treated me with respect and gave me encouragement to continue their investigation.

"Getting the conviction last year has allowed me to progress on my journey, to continue to heal and help others who are experiencing abuse. Knowing that I'm helping others gives me the motivation to continue to share my story. Help is closer than you think.

"I'm now able to live my life the way I want to and I'm able to make my own choices, which has been liberating. I'll always be thankful to Essex Police for giving me the chance to start rebuilding my life."

Coercive control became illegal in England and Wales in December 2015 with the introduction of the Serious Crime Act. The offence will carry a maximum of 5 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Coercive or controlling behaviour does not relate to a single incident, it is a purposeful pattern of incidents that occur over time in order for one individual to exert power, control or coercion over another.

If you want to report abuse or have concerns about a loved one, call Essex Police on 101 or report information by visiting www.essex.police.uk. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.