'As water reflects a face, so the heart of a man reflects the man'
Proverb 27:19
The Dynamics of the Power and Control Wheel
Overview
The Power and Control Wheel was developed in 1984 by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Minnesota. The objective was to articulate the various manifestations of abuse experienced by survivors. The multiple strategies encompassed within the wheel were derived from a compilation of repeatedly reported abusive behaviours, resulting in a synthesis of more general experiences. The title "Power and Control" underscores that the behaviours depicted inside the wheel serve as mechanisms for the partner to assert control. Individuals may occasionally be oblivious to or neglect various manifestations of violence.
The Outer ring explaining Physical and Sexual violence
The outer ring of the Power and Control Wheel represents physical and sexual assault, which are explicit, coercive strategies used by abusers to reinforce the more subtle forms of control shown in the wheel's inner ring. The wheel, created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, shows how abusers use physical and sexual acts, along with threats of violence, to exert power and control over their victims, often supporting other tactics like isolation, intimidation, and economic abuse.
Inner Ring Using Intimidation
The abuser uses intimidation to create fear in the victim. This can be done through appearances, behaviours, and gestures. A common violent act by abusers is destroying the victim's property, especially when the abuser is subject to a protective order prohibiting entry to the premises.
Using Emotional Abuse
Perpetrators use emotional abuse to belittle their partner and create a sense of weakness, aiming to prevent their partner from leaving the relationship. A common form is known as gaslighting. The abuser tries to make the victim feel insane and manipulates them psychologically. The victim may feel embarrassed and remorseful about their reactions.
Using Isolation
This approach isolates the individual from external life, as the abuser aims to stop the victim from reporting the abuse or talking about it with others because of the fear of being exposed. As a result, by controlling the victim's movements and interactions, the perpetrator traps the victim and prevents escape.
Minimising, Denying and Blaming
This method involves the abuser trying to shift blame onto the victim. This may cause the victim to feel self-blame. The abuser might try to downplay their behaviour or claim that the abuse never happened. The abuser will consistently refuse to accept responsibility.
Using Children
Cases involving children might complicate matters due to the increased number of individuals impacted. The perpetrator exploits children to intimidate the victim. The abuser will intimidate by threatening to remove the children. The abuser will attempt to instil in the victim a sense of being to blame for "destroying their family."
Using Male Privilege
This approach targets male offenders who attempt to use their gender as a form of dominance. It may be seen as men adopting traditional stereotypes, such as being considered the "master of the house' or the only "breadwinner," to gain an advantage.
Using Economic Abuse
Someone can exert power over you through economic abuse. This can be demonstrated by preventing your partner from getting or keeping a job. Economic abuse can also be shown by restricting access to financial accounts, forcing your partner to ask for money. This is seen as a way the abuser uses to control the relationship.
Using Coercion and Threats
Another manifestation of abuse involves using coercion and threats against the victim. The abuser employs coercive language to cause harm or force compliance with actions that cause discomfort, such as retracting charges or participating in illicit acts.
The intimidation tactic is used to instil fear if you try to leave the abusive relationship.