|
|
Coercive behavior in an abusive relationship is never an isolated event. It is a pattern of behavior used with the intent to gain power and control over a partner. A batterer not only uses a series of behaviors but also many different forms. Generally, the tactics used by batterers fall into the categories below:
Intimidation
- Uses looks, actions, or gestures to make afraid
- Destroys property
- Kills and/or harms pets
- Displays weapons
Abusing Authority
- Makes all big decisions
- Acts like "Master of the House"
- Requires traditional mans and womans roles
- Treats like servant or "Second Class" citizen
Verbal Attacks
- Uses put-downs, criticism, and judgements
- Humiliates in front of others
- Calls bad/derogatory names
- Threatens physical, financial or emotional harm, blackmail; and/or humiliation
Economic control
- Prevents from getting or keeping a job
- Hides information about money/income
- Denies access to money
- Creates financial dependence
- Controls all money
- Requires accounting of every penny
Isolation
- Controls all actions - what one does, who one sees, what one reads, and who one talks with
- Prevents contact with friends, family, and/or co-workers
- Limits outside involvement
Psychological Games
- Erodes confidence, self-esteem, and independence
- Makes feel crazy
- Plays mind games
- Requires accounting for every minute of time
- Displays extreme jealousy
- Has inappropriate angry and/or violent reactions
Minimizing Denying & Blaming
- Uses jealousy to justify abuse
- Makes light of abuse
- Does not take abuse seriously
- Denies abuse
- Blames others or circumstances for abuse
Coercion and threats
- Makes and/or carries out threats
- Threatens suicide
- Threatens children
- Falsely makes reports to police, welfare or INS authorities
- Forces one to do illegal things
Physical Violence
- Hits, slaps, punches, pushes, kicks, stabs, chokes, rapes, or shoots
- Throws objects
- Destroys property
- Forces to perform something against ones will
- Attempts to frighten or harm by physical force
- Prevents safe sex
Children
- Exploits guilty feelings about children
- Uses children to relay messages
- Uses visitation to harass
- Uses custody to gain access and control
- Threatens to harm and/or kidnap children
<< back
|
CLIENT LOGIN
