Abuse is a term that refers to the mistreatment, harm, or infliction of injury on someone, either through physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, or other means. Abuse can occur in various contexts, including relationships, families, institutions, and broader social settings. It is a serious violation of an individual’s rights and can have profound and lasting effects on their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
That is a very common and deeply harmful dynamic in cases of gender-based violence. When family or friends prioritize reputation, image, or “keeping the peace” over your safety, it adds a layer of secondary abuse and isolation. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and why it’s damaging: 🔹 What’s happening 🔹 Why it’s harmful 🔹 Healthy ways to handle… Read More Fear and Shame
“I have someone else” announcement paired with the “If you ever go with anyone else, you’re dead” threat.This is not normal behaviour.It is coercive, controlling, and psychologically abusive. The Psychology Behind It 1. This is classic “One-Rule-for-Me, Another-Rule-for-You” Abuse People who use coercive control operate from a double standard.They believe they are entitled to freedom, attention, admiration, or multiple… Read More Threats
There’s a very particular sentence that appears in almost every abusive relationship, no matter the age, gender, culture, or country: “You’ll be sorry.”“You’ll regret it if you leave.”“You’ll be sorry if you don’t listen to me.”“Don’t make me do something you’ll regret.” It’s never said accidentally.It’s a psychological weapon — a conditioned threat disguised as… Read More “Who’s Sorry Now?” — The Neuroscience of Threat-Based Control in Abusive Relationships
Recognising Coercive Control and Reducing Re-Traumatisation in Court The courtroom is meant to be a place of truth and fairness — but for survivors of abuse, it can easily become a mirror of the very dynamics they escaped.A trauma-informed approach helps professionals differentiate between genuine instability and trauma response, ensuring that coercive control is identified, not… Read More ⚖️ Trauma-Informed Tips for Lawyers, Mediators & Judges
Across Europe, there has been a rise in self-styled “paedophile hunter” groups — citizens who impersonate minors online and arrange public confrontations with adults suspected of grooming. Some claim to protect young boys specifically, arguing that male victims are often overlooked. The Hidden Reality of Male Victims Boys and young men are significantly less likely to… Read More 🧠 Male Victims and the Rise of Vigilante “Protection” Groups
Being cut off from friends and family, being isolated, being told not to talk to anyone — is unfortunately a very well-documented aspect of abusive relationships. The trauma, psychological dynamics, and neuroscience behind these dynamics are real and have been studied. 1. What abusers often do: isolation, control, cutting off witnesses Here are research-backed tactics… Read More Seven people know the truth.
(UK / Spain) Step 1: Preserve Evidence Safely Keep digital or physical copies without putting yourself at risk. Type of Evidence What to Collect / Save Messages / Emails Texts, WhatsApps, Messenger, emails showing threats, pressure, or demands. Include timestamps. Voicemails / Recordings Save threatening calls or voice notes. Check local law before recording. Witnesses Names… Read More Coercion, Threats & Divorce: Evidence Checklist & Support Contacts
You want to present evidence in court showing physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Here’s a structured approach for each type with practical steps and evidence you can gather. I’ll break it down clearly so it can serve as both a checklist and a guide for your case. 1. Physical Abuse Definition: Any intentional bodily harm or threat… Read More Physical, emotional, and financial abuse.
Here are some of the most recent global estimates and statistics on physical, emotional/psychological, and financial abuse, including intimate partner, elder, children-abuse, etc. These are prevalence figures, not always “reported crimes,” because underreporting is a major issue. Key Global Prevalence Figures Population / Type Abuse Type Prevalence / Key Stats Violence against women (intimate partner /… Read More Key Global Prevalence Figures
One of the most painful tactics of coercive control is when the abuser pits you against your own family. They exploit natural tensions, twist conversations, and create false narratives until you feel like you’re at war with the very people who should be your support system. This isn’t accidental conflict. It’s a deliberate psychological strategy.… Read More When Abusers Turn Family Into Enemies: The Psychology of Divide-and-Conquer
