Gaslighting in the Law: Is Gaslighting Illegal?

Gaslighting is a manipulation a tactic that’s often used during an argument or debate to confuse another person. With its potential for harm and use throughout heated discussions, it’s no wonder why the phrase comes up in a legal context.

So, is gaslighting a crime?

What is Gaslighting?

‘Gaslighting’ is a form of psychological manipulation and abuse where a person causes someone to question their sanity, memories or perception of reality. The term is derived from the name of a play from the 1930s called Gas Light. During which, a husband manipulates his wife by dimming and raising the brightness of gas lights around their home and then denying it.

Is Gaslighting Illegal?

Gaslighting is recognised as a form of domestic abuse.

Gaslighting was criminalised in December 2015 under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act (2015), which provides for the criminal offence of controlling or coercive behaviour. Gaslighting is therefore illegal.

Gaslighting Examples

Gaslighting can be spotted in numerous ways. Even though the behaviour is often conducted by manipulative individuals, if you feel that you’re being gaslit, there are a few ways of spotting the behaviour:

Distraction

To make the victim forget or abandon their partner’s behaviour, a gaslighter may resort to distraction with compassion, helping them avoid accountability.

Dismissal

Dismissing and belittling the victim’s feelings and emotions and discounting their achievements to make the victim feel like they do not matter, leading them to believe that nobody but the abuser cares about them thus staying with the abuser.

Stonewalling

Withholding affection, information or money in order to punish the victim for standing up to them.

Contradiction

Denying having said certain incidents to make the victim doubt themselves and their reality.

Gaslighting in Divorce

In some cases, gaslighting behaviour can carry over through to divorce proceedings. In these settings, the behaviour may be used to unsettle another party or cause them to doubt their actions. In divorce, a gaslighter may:

• File false reports and lie about past events
• In childcare proceedings, the abuser may turn the children against the victim by being dishonest about them.
• Using money to make the victim feel inferior and incapable of surviving without the abuser.
• Question choices to make the victim loose self-confidence and make poor decisions

How to Deal with Gaslighting in Divorce

If you’re a victim of gaslighting and are also going through divorce, there are some steps to take to minimise its impact on both you and your case:

• Document all incidents to reinforce your understanding of reality and have necessary evidence.
• Change all passwords for your email accounts, social media and online banking etc to allow you to keep your divorce plans private. This way you can avoid escalation of abusive behaviour.
• Seek emotional support from trusted family, friends trained professionals.
• Instruct a solicitor who can give you accurate legal advice and reassure you of the reality of the situation.

Divorce Services, for You

We understand both the mental and emotional challenges of divorce. Our expert team is fully equipped to deal with your case, regardless of its complexity or unique details. For more information about our family law services, contact us for a consultation.

Nel Roberts

Associate Solicitor

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