Understanding the pattern of dominating behavior that strips away autonomy
Coercive control is not just isolated incidents—it's a consistent and deliberate strategy to strip away the victim's autonomy.
It's a pattern of dominating behavior that uses various tactics to harm, punish, intimidate, and control victims. While it can include physical violence, coercive control often operates without it, relying instead on psychological, emotional, and financial manipulation.
Perpetrators use a combination of the following tactics to maintain power and control:
Restricting contact with friends, family, or support networks. Monitoring phone calls, texts, and social media. Limiting time spent outside the home or with others.
Constant criticism, name-calling, and put-downs. Public shaming or embarrassment. Undermining the victim's confidence and self-worth.
Using fear tactics to control behavior. Threats of violence to the victim, children, pets, or others. Threatening to take away custody, financial support, or immigration status.
Constantly tracking the victim's whereabouts. Using GPS, cameras, or spyware to monitor activities. Demanding detailed accounts of daily activities and interactions.
Limiting access to money or bank accounts. Controlling all financial decisions. Creating economic dependency by preventing employment or sabotaging work.
Manipulating the victim's perception of reality. Denying events or conversations that occurred. Making the victim question their memory, judgment, and sanity.
Imposing rigid expectations and restrictions. Setting arbitrary rules about appearance, behavior, or daily activities. Enforcing consequences for non-compliance.
Coercive control can cause serious psychological harm and trauma, even without physical violence.
Victims often experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and a diminished sense of self. The continuous manipulation and control can make it extremely difficult to recognize the abuse or seek help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, resources are available.
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