09/03/2024
Misuse Of Power and Control In Relationships
The misuse of power and control in relationships can have severe consequences, sometimes reaching criminal levels. Healthy relationships are built on equality and mutual respect, yet when one partner employs tactics to manipulate or dominate the other, it can lead to significant harm. This imbalance of power can manifest in various ways, including threats, stalking, and physical abuse, leaving one partner feeling fearful and unsafe.
Domestic violence is a prevalent issue affecting many households, encompassing a range of behaviours that can be classified as such:
• Physical Assault: Any form of physical violence, including kicking, slapping, choking, or the use of weapons. All threats of physical harm should be taken seriously.
• Sexual Assault: Non-consensual sexual acts or behaviour, unwanted sexual touch, r**e, forced compliance in sexual activities, indecent assaults, and forced exposure to po*******hy.
• Coercion and Threats: Threatening harm to the partner, children, pets, or property if demands are not met, along with verbal abuse and name-calling.
• Intimidation: Making the partner feel fearful through gestures, actions, or looks.
• Using Children: Manipulating or threatening the partner regarding child custody, using visitation to harass, or using children to relay messages.
• Isolation: Controlling the partner's actions, social interactions, and movements, leading to social isolation.
• Psychological/Emotional/Verbal Abuse: Using words or strategies to degrade, insult, or threaten the victim, including threats to the victim's children.
• Social Abuse: Isolating the partner from friends and family, possibly through enforced geographic isolation.
• Economic Abuse: Controlling access to financial resources like money and property.
If you find yourself in such a situation, seek help immediately. You do not have to endure domestic violence.
Susan Czernich Counselling provides Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Services, including individual, couple, and family counselling and support, as well as groups for both survivors and perpetrators of violence. For more information or assistance, please call 0422377747.
