In May 2007, my cherished childhood friend, Shelby, was murdered by her coercively controlling, abusive, estranged husband. The heinous act was all premeditated. Weeks after she finally left him, ...

Coercive control refers to a pattern of controlling behaviors that create an unequal power dynamic in a relationship. These behaviors give the perpetrator power over their partner, making it difficult ...

Coercive control is a common tactic in abusers. Learning to recognize the signs is important for your emotional health and physical safety. Share on Pinterest You’re probably familiar with some forms ...

Why don’t abused women leave violent relationships? The question is deceptive, as it assumes that women, and others in abusive relationships have choices and agency. In fact, the dynamics of abuse, ...

Coercive control became a criminal offence in the UK in December 2015. It is described as a pattern of behaviour used by an abuser to harm, punish or frighten their victim. It includes manipulation, ...

You know that awkward moment when you’re listening to a crime podcast about a brutal murder and you think, “F***, some of that early behavior sounds a lot like my last relationship?” Come on, admit it ...

While it's possible to make a clean break from a toxic partner, and begin to move on with your life, the side effects of coercive control can impact your next relationship. Coercive control is a ...

The domestic violence field lost an important advocate with the passing of Andrew Cicchetti, Ph.D., in November 2024. Below are some of his ideas, with quotes taken from our personal correspondence, ...

At first, it seemed sweet. Natalie Curtis’s boyfriend called her dozens of times a day, keen to hear every detail of what she was doing in her daily life: what she ate for lunch, who she saw at work.

John Meehan, a charming doctor, knew just how to treat Debra Newell. The relationship moved fast. They secretly married within two months. Debra was in love with John. But her daughters weren’t. Debra ...

Laws criminalizing coercive control came into force in New South Wales (NSW), Australia on Monday. Section 54D of the NSW’s Crimes Act 1900 criminalizes coercive conduct and abusive behavior against ...