Psychological violence

Coercive Control

Excessive or coercive control is a central component of domestic violence. In the UK, so-called coercive control is recognized as a form of domestic violence and constitutes a criminal offense. In Germany, however, the phenomenon is still little known. The British women's rights organization "Women's Aid" defines coercive control as follows:

“Coercive control is an act or pattern of acts involving accusations, threats, humiliation, intimidation, etc., used to harm, punish, or frighten the victim.This controlling behavior aims to make another person dependent by isolating them from support, exploiting them, depriving them of their independence, and regulating them in their daily life."

Forms of psychological violence and coercive control

These include:

• Isolation of those affected from friends, family and other social contacts, e.g. by spreading lies about close people, creating physical distance, insisting on using a shared telephone, etc.
• Control of aspects of daily life, e.g. where the person can go or who they can meet, what clothes they should wear, when they can sleep, etc.
• Control over basic needs, e.g. food deprivation or regulation of meal times
• Monitoring time management and activities, in extreme cases through spyware and surveillance cameras
• Monitoring communication using spyware and digital tools
• Denial of support, e.g. medical assistance
• Control of sex life
• Repeated devaluation, e.g. labeling as worthless, insults, humiliation or dehumanization of those affected
• Control over finances, e.g. allocating a budget, concealing financial situation, refusing to have one's own credit card or account
• Demanding traditional gender roles, e.g. the woman as housewife and mother
• Instrumentalizing the children against the mother
• Threats and intimidation
• gaslightingThe perpetrator deliberately manipulates and undermines the victim's perception of reality and thus her self-confidence. For example, minor details in the apartment are secretly changed, events are denied, other facts are invented, or the victim's feelings or perceptions are downplayed as unjustified or unfounded.

Perpetrators often use various forms of psychological violence simultaneously and strategically to wear down the victims.

consequences of violence

Psychological violence and coercive control leave fewer visible traces than physical violence, but are no less serious. Those affected become dependent, their perceptions and behavior are controlled by others—a daily burden.

As isolation grows, critical reactions or expressions of solidarity become increasingly rare for the affected person. Yet without outside support, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to escape the violent situation or seek help.

After years of psychological manipulation, the victims' self-esteem and resilience are often severely weakened. They feel powerless and insecure. This psychological situation creates a breeding ground for physical violence – because it prevents victims from defending themselves quickly and confidently.