What are the signs of coercive behaviour?

Coercive behaviour involves a pattern of abusive behaviours aimed at dominating and controlling a partner or spouse against their will. Key signs include:

Restricting access to money, monitoring spending, and creating financial dependence by demanding the victim account for every expense.

Limiting freedom of movement, preventing work or education, and controlling access to transportation. The abuser will also monitor the victim’s whereabouts and communications.

Verbally abusing the victim by using insults, criticism, belittling and name-calling to erode confidence and self-esteem.

Making threats against the victim, children, pets, or property, or threats to reveal personal information or secrets.

Isolating the victim off from friends, family, and professional support networks such as doctors, lawyers or therapists.

Control of appearance, health, diet, clothing choices, medical care and who they communicate with.

Minimising or denying the coercive behaviour and blaming the victim for provoking the behaviour.