Let’s be clear about coercive control.
Coercive control refers to a pattern of behaviour in which an individual uses various tactics to dominate and control another person. These tactics may include intimidation, isolation, surveillance, manipulation, and sometimes physical or sexual abuse. Coercive control can be a form of domestic violence, but it is different from physical abuse in that it does not necessarily involve physical violence.
Coercive control can have a serious impact on the victim's mental and physical well-being. It can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may also experience physical symptoms such as chronic pain, headaches, and digestive issues.
There are many different tactics that an abuser may use to exert coercive control over their victim. These may include:
Isolation: The abuser may try to cut off the victim from family and friends, limit their access to transportation or communication devices, and prevent them from leaving the house.
Surveillance: The abuser may monitor the victim's phone, computer, or social media activity, or even install cameras in the home to monitor their movements.
Financial control: The abuser may control the victim's access to money or resources or prevent them from working or pursuing their own interests.
Threats: The abuser may threaten the victim with physical violence, harm to their children or pets, or other forms of punishment.
Gaslighting: The abuser may manipulate the victim's perception of reality, making them doubt their own memories or perceptions of events.
Coercive control can be difficult to identify and escape from, as it often involves a slow and gradual erosion of the victim's autonomy and sense of self. Victims may feel trapped and unable to leave the relationship and may also fear for their safety if they try to escape.
If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, it is important to seek help and support. This may include contacting a domestic violence hotline or shelter, talking to a trusted friend or family member, or seeking counselling or therapy.
The majority of my clients have or are surviving the effects of coercive control. Make sure you know the signs. If you need help or know someone that needs help, contact your local domestic violence centre or contact me, I can point you in the right direction and talk through the steps you need to take - without obligation.