Domestic Violence

Battering is a pattern of coercive control that one person exercises over another. Abusers use physical and sexual violence, threats, emotional insults and economic deprivation as a way to dominate their partners and get their way. Relationships in which one partner uses assault and coercion can be found among married and unmarried heterosexuals, lesbians, and gay men.

Battering is a behavior that physically harms, arouses fear, limits the victim’s freedom, or forces the victim to behave in ways that are not freely chosen.

—Guidelines for Mental Health Practitioners in Domestic Violence Cases, Susan Schechter, 1987

Power and Control Wheels

The Power and Control Wheel explains methods that abusers use to establish control, fear, and power over a victim. Abuse is a violent cycle, whether it is physical or mental.

Power and Control Wheel (PDF)

Poder Y Control (PDF)

Power and Control Wheel for Gay, Lesbian, Bi and Trans Relationships (PDF)