Turning point in how Ireland treats domestic abusers The landmark conviction of coercive control is vital in tackling domestic abuse, write Liz Dunphy and Brion Hoban Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy pictured speaking outside The Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin this morning. Picture: Collins Courts Sat, 23 Jan, 2021 - 11:30 Liz Dunphy and Brion Hoban The landmark conviction of coercive control is vital in tackling domestic abuse, write Liz Dunphy and Brion Hoban The first person to be convicted of coercive control by a jury in Ireland was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison this week. The landmark case, tried under domestic abuse laws introduced in January 2019 which created the crime of coercive control, marks a turning point in how Ireland treats domestic abusers and their victims.