Case Study 2: Gendered Cuckooing

Key learning: Gender bias delays recognition and response. 

Complex Vulnerability, Cuckooing, and Systemic Challenges  

This case concerns a woman with severe and enduring mental health issues, who experienced multiple hospitalisations and detentions under mental health legislation over several years. During this time, she remained largely disengaged from consistent care, often presenting as mentally unwell and transient, and using an alias for months. Her longstanding tenancy was compromised by an abusive relationship and subsequent cuckooing by a family friend, who gained access and control over her home, causing her significant distress and trauma. Despite numerous safeguarding concerns and a prolonged management transfer process, she faced repeated setbacks, including temporary accommodation marked by violence and trauma, assaults during police custody, and long periods without medical follow-up.  

Her mental well-being is tightly linked to the safety of her environment; however, treatment was sporadic and insufficient, with a lack of allocated social workers and care coordinators for extended periods. The cuckooing perpetrator exhibited coercive and violent behaviour, including assault and theft of keys, eventually resulting in his detention. Multiple professionals became involved over time, but coordination was challenging, with delayed safeguarding inquiries and limited use of multi-agency risk assessments. The woman’s vulnerability was compounded by a history of manic episodes and mistrust, often perceiving threats where none existed, and rapidly escalating in crisis.  

To support her, a safeguarding inquiry was opened and reopened when concerns persisted. A management transfer of her property was pursued to move her to a safer environment near family, although this process took over a year. Care coordinators and social workers were eventually allocated, and community mental health support was increased, albeit after significant delays. The police and safeguarding teams worked closely to manage the risks posed by the perpetrator, including securing a partial closure order on her property and facilitating his detention under mental health legislation. Outreach work was intensified, with workers actively locating and engaging her during periods of rough sleeping. Advocacy efforts included referrals to community care solicitors and independent mental health advocates to challenge inadequate professional responses and push for multi-agency collaboration.  

Despite these efforts, systemic barriers and poor professional curiosity limited the effectiveness of interventions, highlighting the need for persistent, coordinated support and legal advocacy. The case illustrates the complexities of supporting highly vulnerable people experiencing cuckooing, where trauma, mental illness, and exploitation intersect with gaps in service provision.