Power & Control Wheel & Cycle of Violence- English

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that is about trying to maintain power and control over an intimate partner or family member. In the US, 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner or family member every minute. However, there are many behaviors and tactics an abuser can use to try to maintain power and control

other than physical and sexual violence. One tool we can use to look at those abusive behaviors is the power and control wheel. The outside of the wheel represents the physical and sexual abuse that can sometimes be part of domestic violence. Sexual violence includes any sexual behavior that you are not okay with or

that you do not agree to, including using force or coercion during sex. The inside of the wheel represents the non-physical kind of behaviors someone might use to try to control their partner or family member. These include intimidation. Intimidation can be in the form of threatening looks or gestures, displaying weapons, destroying your property, or hurting or threatening to

harm or take pets. Emotional abuse. Emotional abuse can include behaviors like humiliating or bullying you, playing head games or manipulating you, and spiritual abuse. Isolation. Isolation means controlling or limiting what you do, who you see, or who you talk to. It can also include cutting you off from family and friends. Your partner may use jealousy to justify

their behavior. Denying, minimizing, or blaming. Abusers may refuse to take responsibility for their actions or redirect blame. This can look like making fun of the abuse, saying it didn't happen, or saying the abuse is your fault. Using children. Your partner may try to maintain power and control over you through your children. They might try to blame the