What is Coercive Control?: An Overview

Coercive control generally refers to a pattern of behavior used by one person to dominate, intimidate, or manipulate another within an intimate or family relationship. This behavior can include various tactics aimed at controlling the victim's thoughts, actions, and freedoms, such as isolation, surveillance, threats, and degradation.

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Coercive control can involve physical and/or non-physical behaviours. Bodily abuse such as hitting, pushing, punching, and throwing things are generally easy to identify. Subtle emotional and psychological tactics are more challenging to recognise. Typical examples include: 

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• forbidding access to bank accounts

• providing only a small ‘allowance’

• not allowing the victim-survivor to work or have a job

• forcing the victim-survivor to sign documents or make false declarations

• using all the wages earned by the victim-survivor for household expenses

• controlling the victim-survivor’s pension

• denying that the victim-survivor is entitled to property

• blaming the victim-survivor for all problems in the relationship

• constantly comparing the victim-survivor with others to undermine self-esteem and self-wort

• withdrawing all interest and engagement (for example, weeks of silent treatment)

• emotional blackmail and suicidal threats

• sporadic sulking

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In Australia, coercive control is increasingly being recognised as an issue within domestic violence, however, it is equally important to recognise it being an element of high demand groups or cults. Regardless of where it is occurring, it has detrimental and long standing effects on victims. 

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​​The impact of coercive control on victims is extensive and deeply damaging, with repercussions that can affect every aspect of their lives and well-being. In the worst case scenarios, it is recognised as a precursor to physical violence and murder. 

 

Here are some key ways in which victims are affected:

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1. Emotional and Psychological Effects: Victims of coercive control endure significant emotional and psychological trauma. They often experience heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD due to the constant fear and manipulation inflicted by the perpetrator. Coercive control tactics, such as gaslighting and isolation, can lead to confusion, self-doubt, and a distorted sense of reality, exacerbating the psychological impact on the victim.

2. Isolation and Alienation: Perpetrators frequently isolate victims from their support networks, leaving them feeling alone, helpless, and dependent on the abuser. This isolation can make it difficult for victims to seek help or escape the abusive situation, increasing their vulnerability and sense of powerlessness.

3. Loss of Autonomy and Independence: Victims often experience a profound loss of autonomy and independence, as perpetrators seek to exert control over every aspect of their lives. This loss of control can erode the victim's sense of self and agency, leaving them feeling trapped and powerless to change their circumstances.

4. Physical Health Consequences: Chronic stress and anxiety resulting from living in an abusive environment can have serious physical health consequences for victims. Headaches, insomnia, digestive problems, and compromised immune function are common manifestations of the physical toll of coercive control.

5. Financial and Economic Abuse: Perpetrators frequently exert control over the victim's finances and resources, making it difficult for them to access money or support themselves independently. This financial abuse can further limit the victim's options for escaping the abusive relationship and rebuilding their lives.

6. Long-termTrauma and Impact on Future Relationships: The trauma inflicted by coercive control can have long-lasting effects on victims, impacting their ability to trust others and form healthy relationships in the future. Healing from the psychological scars of abuse often requires extensive therapy, support, and self-care.

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For more insights into how cults use coercive control, see Renée's Cult Ranking System. 

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