Why Recognising Coercive Control Is Difficult
Coercive control is often subtle, starting with small acts that seem harmless or even loving. This manipulation grows gradually, making it challenging for victims to recognise. Abusers disguise control as care or concern, leaving victims unaware of the harmful dynamics developing in the relationship. Over time, victims may doubt their perceptions, feel responsible for the abuse, or view their dependence on the abuser as normal. Recognising coercive control requires understanding its signs and knowing that control isn’t love.
Family Violence Mindset Solutions offers a Coercive Control Course to help survivors understand these hidden dynamics and empower them to see coercive control for what it truly is.
Reasons People Don’t Recognise Coercive Control
- Gradual Development – Coercive control starts small, making it hard to discern the difference between the early stages of love and the early stages of abuse.
- Presented as Care – Abusers disguise control as care, making it seem like the behaviour is loving or protective.
- Gaslighting – Abusers make victims question their memories and perceptions, leading them to believe the control is imagined.
- Erosion of Self-Trust – Abusers undermine victims’ self-confidence, making them doubt their judgement.
- Isolation from Outside Perspectives – Without the perspectives of friends or family, victims may lack the outside validation needed to see the abuse.
Our Family Violence Mindset Solutions course helps individuals recognise coercive control, supporting them as they gain clarity about their relationship dynamics. Explore our resources to learn more about recognising coercive control.
Empowering Individuals to See Through Control
Awareness is the first step to understanding coercive control. Family Violence Mindset Solutions offers tools and resources to help survivors see coercive control clearly and reclaim their independence. Contact us for support.