Domestic violence can be a complex topic to talk about because it often remains hidden due to shame, stigma, and lack of knowledge about what DV is. Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control. Many people may often think of overt, physical violence when they think of domestic violence. However, it is much more vast than that. The Power and Control Wheel diagram outlines the different kinds of domestic violence and defines each component. It is important to note that while the wheel assumes she/her pronouns for survivors and he/him pronouns for partners, the abusive behavior it details can happen to and by people of any gender or sexuality. Below are listed the eight different kinds of abuse used by perpetrators.
The 8 components of the Power and Control Wheel:
- Intimidation
- Emotional abuse
- Isolation
- Minimizing, denying, and blaming
- Using children
- Economic abuse
- Male privilege
- Coercion and threats
For domestic violence to be present, perpetrators must show at least one of these eight types of abuse. However, some of these types of abuse are harder to see than others. One area that can be particularly hard to see is emotional abuse. Emotional abuse includes things like putting a partner down or making a partner feel guilty, shameful, or uncertain of their perceptions of reality. Calling a partner names or playing mind games are also forms of emotional abuse. Because types of abuse are often difficult to identify, this is why using the wheel can help us better identify and name domestic violence. Additionally, the wheel can be used to validate those who are experiencing less overt or physical signs of abuse.
If you feel like you could use some extra support, reach out to one of our therapists at Heartland Therapy Connection so we can help. You can call or text us at 816-287-0252. Or email us through our website. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
