Have you ever felt trapped in a relationship where your voice doesn't matter? The Power and Control Wheel, a vital tool developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, helps visualize the tactics abusers use to maintain dominance. It's not about occasional arguments; it's a pattern of behavior designed to isolate and control their partner.
The Wheel's central hub represents physical violence, but radiating outwards are insidious tactics like intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, minimizing/denying/blaming, using children, economic abuse, and male privilege. Each spoke represents a different form of control, all working together to keep the victim powerless.
Recognizing these tactics is the first step to breaking free. Understanding the Power and Control Wheel empowers victims and their support systems to identify abusive behaviors and seek help. If you or someone you know needs assistance, resources are available. Don't stay silent; break the cycle.
