Intimate Partner Violence -IPV

Coercive control is a pattern of behavior that focuses on power and control within an intimate relationship, often beginning with psychological and emotional tactics before escalating to physical violence. According to the sources, some of the key signs and red flags include:Social and Physical Isolation: The perpetrator may control who you see and spend time with. They might also discourage or stop you from working or going to school to keep you under their control.Constant Monitoring: This includes tracking your behavior both online and offline, such as questioning who you follow on social media or monitoring your phone to track your movements and travel distances.Gaslighting and Verbal Abuse: Control often involves gaslighting and the use of demeaning comments intended to make you feel "less" or "disgusting". This can also manifest as extreme jealousy, where the partner terrorizes you with accusations or verbal insults.Loss of Autonomy: You may feel as though you cannot say "no" to your partner. The perpetrator might set unrealistic expectations, try to change who you are, or constantly compare you to others to undermine your self-esteem.Economic Control: This can involve controlling your finances, such as taking your wages or preventing you from having any access to your own money.Sexual Coercion: A major sign is forcing sexual activity even when you say no or are not in the mood, which the sources identify as a violation of consent and a form of abuse.Threats and Intimidation: The perpetrator may threaten to leave you or harm you as a means of maintaining control.Weaponizing Children: In some cases, a partner may use children against you by making demeaning comments about you to them, such as telling them you "don't know how to cook" or "don't love them".These behaviors often create a situation where the survivor is living in constant fear and a "survival mode," unable to act freely due to the psychological pressure exerted by their partner.