In a relationship setting, coercive control can refer to any pattern of oppressive, dominating behaviour that uses harm to steer your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and also makes you feel inferior.
While coercive control is often seen through forms of emotional abuse in an intimate relationship, it can also involve the use of physical force.
Here are warning signs of coercive control in a relationship to watch out for:
- Stopping you from seeing friends or family
When your partner does certain things like monitoring or blocking calls and emails, telling you where you can or cannot go, and preventing you from seeing your friends or relatives, you feel inferior.
2. Scaring you
Your partner might not physically assault you, but if he is doing enough to frighten you, they are committing an offense.
3. Threatening to reveal private things about you
Repeated threats to reveal personal and private information is a sign of coercive control. It could include revealing details about health or sexual orientation.
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4. Forcing you to obey their rules
If you are being forced to abide by stringent rules set by your partner, it could mean a sign of coercive control.
Insults and humiliation can break down your self-esteem. You may begin to believe you cannot function without your partner or deserve their abuse.
Insults and humiliation can look like the following:
- making jokes at your expense
- calling you names
- regularly making critical comments about your appearance
6. Sexual coercion
Sexual coercion occurs when you feel pressured, manipulated, or tricked into a sexual interaction.
When someone takes away your freedom of personal choice, it’s a form of control that dismisses your feelings and can make you feel inferior.
Read also: 6 Ways To Reconnect With Yourself When You Feel Lost In Your Relationship
8. Financial control
When your financial moves are controlled or limited, it can create a situation where you depend on your partner for basic needs. You may also lack access to resources to leave your situation.
9. Activity monitoring
When someone is monitoring what you do throughout the day, it’s a way for them to subtly remind you they’re always around, judging your behaviors.
10. Threats
Threats are declarations of impending consequences intended to create fear. Threats may involve harming things you care about.
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