Power and Control Wheel*

Battering: A systematic pattern of violent, controlling, coercive behaviors intended to punish, abuse, and ultimately control the thoughts, beliefs and actions of the victim.

power and control wheel

Domestic Violence is more than just physical abuse. The power and control wheel describes the behaviors that are used together as a system in violent relationships. The wheel is drawn with violence as the outer rim and the other behaviors as spokes. Just like a wheel, they depend upon and reinforce each other.

Economic abuse prevents a woman from gaining the financial freedom that could help her escape the violence.
Isolation destroys the support system of relatives and friends who might be able to assist her in getting information, support and resources.
Threats reinforce the fear she feels and may make the known violence seem safer than the retaliation promised, if she attempts to flee.
Sexual abuse is also common, including denial of her right to refuse intimacy through the use of violence and threats.

Together this system of behaviors builds barriers to a woman's escape.

* Created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, Duluth, Minnesota.