Coercive control almost always accompanies intimate partner violence (IPV), but IPV doesn’t need to accompany coercive control to effectively gain power and dominance over an intimate partner.

Abusive behavior is not always obvious. Here are some of the mechanisms controlling individuals use to keep their partners silent and disempowered. When we think of an unhealthy relationship, we often ...

Imagine a hostage situation. A woman is trapped in her home, and her life and the lives of her family members depend on how well she obeys her captor’s commands. A hostage negotiator calls and asks if ...