The Impact of Coercive Control on Victims and Children: Understanding the Consequences and Pathways to Help

Coercive control, a form of abuse characterized by a pattern of behaviour that seeks to dominate and subjugate victims through psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical means, operates in a subtle, insidious manner. Unlike physical violence, it is often challenging to recognize and address. Its impact is pervasive, affecting the direct victim and the children in the household. This blog aims to shed light on the profound effects of coercive control on victims and children and provides guidance on how to seek help.

Understanding Coercive Control

Coercive control can be defined as a strategy used by abusers to strip away a victim’s sense of autonomy and self-worth. This may include tactics such as isolation from friends and family, manipulation, constant surveillance, threats, financial control, and emotional abuse. Over time, these behaviours can erode the victim’s ability to make independent decisions, leaving them feeling trapped and powerless.

The Impact on Victims

1. Psychological and Emotional Trauma: Victims of coercive control often experience significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The constant manipulation and gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation in which a person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual, can lead to confusion and self-doubt, making it difficult for victims to recognize the abuse or believe they deserve better (Mitchell & Raghavan, 2019).

2. Erosion of Autonomy: Coercive control systematically diminishes a victim’s autonomy. Abusers often isolate their victims from support networks, control their finances, and monitor their every move, creating a dependency that can make leaving the relationship seem impossible (Hamberger et al., 2017)

3. Physical Health Consequences: While coercive control is primarily psychological, it can also lead to physical health problems. The stress and anxiety caused by living under constant threat can result in chronic health issues, such as high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders, and even heart disease (Campbell & Lewandowski.

The Impact on Children

1. Emotional and Behavioral Issues: Children who live in households where coercive control is present often experience emotional and behavioural problems. These children may become withdrawn, anxious, or exhibit aggressive behaviours as a result of the trauma they witness and endure [(Katz, 2016)](https://consensus.app/papers/beyond-physical-incident-model-children-living-domestic-katz/513561036c76512a9ab8e8a54d42ef0e/?utm_source=chatgpt).

2. Developmental Delays: The toxic environment created by coercive control can hinder a child’s development. The stress and instability can impact their cognitive, social, and emotional development, leading to long-term consequences [(Xyrakis et al., 2022 )

3. Distorted Perceptions of Relationships: Children exposed to coercive control may develop distorted perceptions of what constitutes a healthy relationship. They may normalize abusive behaviours and carry these learned patterns into their future relationships (Callaghan et al., 2015)

Pathways to Help

1. Recognizing the Abuse: The first step in seeking help is recognizing that coercive control is a form of abuse. Victims and their loved ones must be empowered with the knowledge of the signs, such as isolation, manipulation, and controlling behaviours, to identify when help is needed.

2. Seeking Professional Support: Victims of coercive control can benefit significantly from professional support, including counselling, legal assistance, and support groups. These professionals can provide the necessary guidance and support to help victims rebuild their sense of self and autonomy. At the same time, legal advocates can provide crucial assistance in obtaining protection orders and navigating the legal system (Wydall & Zerk, 2020).

3. Creating a Safety Plan: Creating a safety plan is crucial for those in immediate danger. This plan should include identifying safe places to go, important documents to take, trusted individuals who can provide support, and steps to take in an emergency. Many domestic violence organisations offer resources to help victims develop a safety plan tailored to their situation.

4. Utilizing Domestic Violence Hotlines and Shelters: Domestic violence hotlines and shelters provide immediate assistance to victims of coercive control. These services offer confidential support, temporary housing, and resources for victims to escape abusive situations safely.

5. Legal Protection: Victims of coercive control may need to seek legal protection through restraining orders or custody agreements that prioritise the safety of both the victim and any children involved. Legal systems in some regions are beginning to recognise coercive control as a severe form of abuse, leading to more robust protections for victims (Hanna, 2009)

Conclusion

Coercive control is a deeply damaging form of abuse that has far-reaching impacts on both victims and children. Its subtle nature often makes it difficult to recognize, but understanding its signs and effects is crucial for those affected to seek help. Victims should not hesitate to reach out for support from professionals, loved ones, and domestic violence organizations. By recognizing the abuse, seeking help, and taking steps to ensure safety, victims of coercive control can begin to reclaim their lives and protect their children from further harm.