Abuse is defined in psychology and criminology as a patterned use of power and control, commonly conceptualised as coercive control (Stark).

It encompasses psychological, emotional, financial, and social behaviours designed to restrict autonomy and induce dependency. Physical violence may occur, but it is neither necessary nor sufficient to define abuse.

Empirical evidence demonstrates that non-physical coercive control is a significant predictor of serious harm and lethality, often more so than isolated acts of physical violence.

Attributing abusive behaviour to stress, illness, or provocation reflects misattribution and moral disengagement, not causation.

Abuse is not a loss of control.
It is the exercise of control.