Manipulative Domination: Characteristics, Symptoms, and Actions to Take
In the United States, several organisations offer support and resources to those experiencing coercive control, a form of domestic abuse that involves patterns of behaviour designed to restrict a victim's freedom and autonomy.
Key organisations providing assistance include the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233), which offers 24/7 confidential support to survivors of domestic violence, including coercive control. The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (1-800-537-2238) provides information, resources, and referrals specifically related to domestic violence. Futures Without Violence: The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence (1-888-792-2873) focuses on health-related impacts of domestic violence and offers training and support services. The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (1-312-726-7020, ext. 2011) addresses the intersection of domestic violence and mental health, impacting survivors of coercive control.
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is a coalition of state and territorial domestic violence coalitions dedicated to elevating survivors' needs and advocating for systemic change in domestic violence policies. State-level organisations, such as the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance, work on domestic and sexual violence, including coercive control, promoting healthy relationships and survivor justice.
Local and state coalitions are also active in supporting victims and advocating for legal recognition of coercive control in domestic violence laws. Since 2020, several states have passed or are considering laws that specifically include coercive control as part of domestic violence definitions, aiding courts in addressing the broad patterns of abuse in custody or protective orders.
These organisations often provide assistance in navigating legal processes, safety planning, financial aid, and emotional support tailored to victims of coercive control. If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control or domestic violence, contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline or a local domestic violence coalition is a recommended first step for support and safety planning.
Signs of coercive control include monitoring activities, exerting financial control, isolating the other person, insulting the other person, making threats, and being intimidating. If someone's partner monitors their online activity, they may want to delete their search browser history after looking for domestic abuse resources. A safety plan can be created to help someone stay safe while in an abusive relationship, during the process of leaving, and after leaving.
The controlling person may demand or gain access to the partner's computer, cell phone, or email account. Insulting the other person may involve name-calling, highlighting insecurities, or putting them down. The controlling person may break household items or their partner's sentimental belongings to intimidate and scare them. Domestic abuse can escalate into physical abuse and, in some cases, homicide. Signs of danger include regular physical abuse and murder threats.
Making threats and being intimidating may include threats of physical violence, self-harm, or public humiliation. Coercive control can cause psychological trauma. It is crucial to remember that help is available 24/7 via the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233 or text START to 88788).
[1] National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2022, from https://www.thehotline.org/ [2] National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2022, from https://www.nrcdv.org/ [3] Futures Without Violence. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2022, from https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/ [4] National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2022, from https://www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org/ [5] National Network to End Domestic Violence. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2022, from https://nnedv.org/ [6] Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2022, from https://vsdvalliance.org/
- Science has identified coercive control as a form of mental health issue, often linked with bipolar disorder and multiple depression.
- In health-and-wellness and mental health communities, the predictive nature of coercive control within relationships is a topic of ongoing discussion, with a focus on family dynamics and lifestyle factors.
- AQ, an international network of scientists, regularly publishes studies on the long-term effects of coercive control on individuals, highlighting the importance of early intervention and support.
- Mental health professionals advocate for a holistic approach to treating coercive control, incorporating therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, if necessary.
- Support groups and hotlines are available to help those experiencing coercive control, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the United States, which provides 24/7 confidential support to survivors.
- Preventing and addressing coercive control requires recognizing its signs (such as monitoring activities, financial control, and isolating the other person) and seeking help early, whether through a mental health professional, a health-and-wellness coach, or a support group focused on relationship improvement.
