What is Coercive Control?

Many people are familiar with the phrase domestic violence but may be less familiar with the phrase coercive control. Put simply, coercive control describes patterns of abuse that are subtle but can be as harmful as physical violence and verbal abuse. Many victims and survivors of coercive control may develop mental health issues as a result of the abuse.

Coercive control may look and feel different in every relationship and family. Abusers who engage in coercive control may use threatening and intimidating behavior to exercise power and control over their spouse, children, and family members. Some examples of coercive control include, but are not limited to: 

• Isolating the spouse from his or her family and friends

• Limiting the spouse’s access to marital funds and financial information

• Closely monitoring the spouse’s whereabouts or daily routines

• Closely monitoring the spouse’s phone activity and social media accounts

• Humiliating the spouse, including name-calling

• Damaging the spouse’s belongings or home

• Threatening violence against the spouse’s family or friends

Where the abuser and primary victim have children, it is unlikely that those children remain unaffected. This impact occurs even when the abuser intends no harm to the children. Children who witness coercive control in their parents’ relationship may feel scared, distressed, anxious, or distrustful of their parents. Some children feel pressured to take sides and feel responsible for their parents’ conflicts. Other children may feel obligated to take care of the abused parent, which may alternate the parent-child dynamic. Witnessing coercive control in their parents’ relationship has the potential to create substantial psychological issues in children.

If you are searching for compassionate legal representation in your separation or divorce, please reach out to Markham Law Firm at 240-396-4373 to schedule a consultation.