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Module 2 – Coercive Control

Welcome! Learning objectives of this Module include the following important steps: 

  1. Understanding domestic violence, its forms – psychological & physical – & its time span.
  2. Understanding coercive control as a system of exercising violence, its concepts, signs & tactics.
  3. Understanding the impact of violence on the victim’s mental & physical health, social relationships & other aspects of life.
  4. Understanding the importance of recognising the pattern of coercive control.

Domestic Violence & its Forms

What are main forms of domestic violence? 

Types of physical violence

Definition of psychological violence

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Coercive Control & its Characteristics

What is coercive control?

Four main characteristics of coercive control

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Tactics of Coercive Control

Nine main tactics used in coercive control

Impact on victim

Power & Control Wheel

Consequences of Coercive Control

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Coercive Control

is not a type of violence, but a system of exercising violence with the aim of controlling the victim’s life in domestic violence situation

occurs over extended periods of time & can have devastating effects on the victim’s mental health, sense of self, sense of worth, autonomy & feeling of security.

Despite its prevalence, coercive control is often overlooked or misunderstood. Even victims may not realize they are being abused because there are no physical signs, & perpetrators may appear outwardly caring or concerned.

This makes it crucial for us to develop a deeper understanding of coercive control, recognize its signs, & understand how to respond effectively.

Domestic Violence

All acts of physical, sexual, psychological or economic violence that occur within the family or domestic unit or between former or current spouses or partners, whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared the same residence with the victim.

Istanbul Convention Art 3

(Council of Europe Convention on preventing & combating violence against women & domestic violence)

Physical Violence

Any act which causes physical harm as a result ofunlawful physical force. Physical violence can take the form of, among others, serious & minor assault, deprivation of liberty & manslaughter.

European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) (2017)

Glossary of definitions of rape, femicide and intimate partner violence

hitting

pushing

shoving

strangling

pinching

groping

restraining

Or any other physical act that causes the victim pain or discomfort & is against his or her will. There may or may not be physical traces.

Psychological Violence

Any act which causes psychological harm to an individual. Psychological violence can take the form of, for example, coercion, defamation, verbal insult or harassment.

European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) (2017)

Glossary of definitions of rape, femicide and intimate partner violence

Coercive Control

Understanding Coercive Control

Coercive control is a deliberate & manipulative pattern of behaviour designed to dominate & control another person, shaping their actions & decisions to align with the perpetrator’s desires.

Coercive tactics refer to the use of force & threats aimed at forcing or discouraging certain reactions, while control tactics are used to force the victim to obey, depriving them of resources & support.

Key Characteristics of Coercive Control

Patterns of Behaviour: ongoing strategies to intimidate, isolate, & control the victim

Psychological Manipulation: instilling fear, dependency, & uncertainty through emotional manipulation & threats

Lack of Physical Marks: low-level or no physical violence

Close relationships: intimate partners, family members

Tactics of Coercive Control

Coercive control can manifest itself in different ways, mainly as psychological violence. It is not always easy to distinguish between different tactics, as they may overlap & the perpetrator usually uses several different tactics at the same time.

Gaslighting

Psychological manipulation that causes the victim to question his or her mental health, memory or sense of reality. The victim may be confused, restless, have problems with self-confidence.

  • Blaming the victim for the abuse or claiming the victim is overreacting;
  • Denying that abusive incidents occurred;
  • Creating false narratives about events;
  • Ignoring & belittling victim’s feelings;
  • Using negative stereotypes.

Isolation

Systematically restricting the victim’s contact with friends, family of origin and/or other support networks with the aim of making the victim dependent on the perpetrator.

Emotional isolation – restricting the victim’s ability to visit or communicate with friends & family.

Physical isolation – moving victim to a remote location or restricting access to transportation, phone or internet.

Intimidation

Intimidation with the aim of creating fear & obedience.Can be silent, such as gesture or threatening glance, or verbal.

  • Threatening to harm or kill the victim, children, or pets;
  • Destroying property or displaying weapons;
  • Threatening to reveal embarrassing or damaging information about the victim.

Monitoring & Surveillance

Constant monitoring of the victim’s communications, movements & other activities.

  • Checking the victim’s phone, internet usage, email, and/or social media accounts;
  • Using GPS tracking and/or surveillance cameras;
  • Repeated questioning about the victim’s whereabouts & activities.

Degradation

Degrading an individual’s sense of self-worth and/or self-esteem. The victim may feel helpless & unabel to cope without the perpetrator.

This may include, but is not limited to:

  • constant criticism,
  • diminishing one’s abilities,
  • name-calling,
  • sarcastic communictation style,
  • humiliation,
  • public belittling,
  • comparing with others in a negative context,
  • constantly pointing out mistakes.

Restricting Personal Freedom

Controlling victim’s personal freedom, limiting their ability to make independent choices.

  • Dictating what the victim can wear, eat, when wash herself, or who they can interact with;
  • Imposing strict schedules & routines that the victim must follow;
  • Punishing the victim for perceived disobedience or independence.

Financial Abuse

Controlling victim’s money and/or material resources belonging to the victim with the aim of subordinating the victim to their control, preventing victim from obtaining money & keeping the victim’s money.

  • Preventing access to bank accounts & cards;
  • Forbidding the victim from working or sabotaging their employment, also acquiring education;
  • Demanding proof & explanation of any spending.

Child Abuse

Using children as means to intimidate women or enlisting children as allies, spies, and witnesses.

  • Implementing coercive control tactics on children;
  • Physically, sexually and psychologically abusing their children in order to instill fear, dependence, and obedience in their partners;
  • Exploiting the children as witnesses, allies, and collaborators in using their mother;
  • Using children as a means of revenge during divorce or separation.

Sexual Coercion

Using sexual violence as a strategy to rule woman’s life. The coercive nature of the abuse is signalled by its punitive, degrading intent, disregard for the dignity or autonomy of the victim. The compliance is achieved by instilling fear of saying no.

  • Rape & violent rape;
  • Rape as a routine;
  • Rape as punishment;
  • Reproductive coercion – force pregnancy & abortion;
  • Pornography – use of & forced participation;
  • Insults;
  • Sexual degradation;
  • Psychological pressure for sex;
  • Other forms of sexual abuse with intention to manipulate or dominate.

Power & Control Wheel

  • First & foremost, a visual aid to understanding coercive control.
  • Based on the experiences of women who have experienced violence. It was discovered that the tactics of violence are universal.
  • The central element in the use of violence is power & control over the victim.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Program

https://www.theduluthmodel.org/

Consequences of Coercive Control

Coercive control heuristics are similar to those observed in hostage & kidnapping situations. Victims of coercive control often develop symptoms consistent with the high levels of fear associated with mental torment, including:

headaches

chronic pain syndromes

atypical chest pain

hyperventilation

sleep, mood, and appatite disorders

anxiety

agitation

a sense of immobilization

Physical separation does not necessarily end the abuse, & victims’ responses may be intra-traumatic rather than post-traumatic. A victim may feel that she is nothing without the abuser.

Recognizing Coercive Control

Lisa, a 34-year-old woman, called the police late one night, reporting a disturbance. When officers arrived at her home, they were greeted by her husband, Tom, who appeared calm & composed. He explained that Lisa was “overreacting” after a minor argument about household chores. Lisa, standing silently behind him, nodded in agreement, her eyes downcast.

The house was immaculate, but officers noticed that Lisa seemed nervous, avoiding eye contact & fidgeting with her hands. Tom spoke for her throughout the conversation, dismissing the incident as a misunderstanding. He reassured the officers that everything was under control.

As the officers asked Lisa if she was okay, she hesitated before quietly saying, “I’m fine.” Her voice was barely audible, and Tom quickly interjected, praising her for being “a good wife.” The officers also observed that Lisa seemed uncertain & anxious whenever Tom was nearby, flinching slightly when he moved.

In a private conversation with the officers, Lisa revealed that she wasn’t allowed to work or have access to the household finances. Tom monitored her phone, checked her texts & calls, & decided who she could see & when. He frequently belittled her, saying she was “useless” without him & threatened to take their children away if she ever left.

Lisa explained that while Tom had never physically harmed her, his constant control over every aspect of her life made her feel trapped & powerless. She was afraid of what might happen if she tried to leave but was also scared of the consequences if she stayed.

What aspects of Coercive Control can you identify in the above case?

Key Takeaways

Coercive Control Defined

A system of manipulative behaviors aimed at dominating & isolating the victim, often without visible physical violence.

Tactics of Control

Includes gaslighting, isolation, financial abuse, threats, surveillance, & restricting personal freedom.

Impact on Victims

Devastates mental health, autonomy, & sense of self; often leaves victims feeling trapped & powerless.

Role of Police

Recognize subtle signs, prioritize victim safety, & ensure an informed, trauma-sensitive response.

Remember:

  • Coercive control is often hidden & easily overlooked.
  • A thorough understanding of its tactics & patterns is essential for effective intervention.
  • Collaborative, multi-agency approaches are critical to ensuring victims’ safety & holding perpetrators accountable.

Self Assessment

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Go to Module III

Co-funded by the CERV Daphne EC Program. Grant Agreement no. 101096908