Conversations about domestic abuse are often focused on what’s visible—physical violence, bruises, the tangible evidence of harm. However, physical violence is an instrument used to enforce regimes of coercive control in which victim-survivors are carefully groomed from subjugation using a pattern of psycho-emotional manipulation called coercive control. Over time, the cumulative effects of this type of abuse lead to the…
Entrapment-Based Relationship
Entrapment-based relationships refer to partnerships where one individuals is confined due to manipulation tactics used by a controlling partner. The entrapped person is conditioned by the controlling person to dread the consequences of exiting the relationship, as the controller has demonstrated the dire consequences they will face should the leave.
Controlling people who cultivate entrapment based relationships often subject their victims with threats about how they will “pay” should the abandon the relationships. There is a spectrum of consequences that ranges from humiliation (i.e. character assassination, revenge porn) to extreme acts of violence (i.e. femicide, familicide, murder/suicide).
Uninformed bystanders are often ignorant about the manipulation tactics used by controllers. Therefore they are prone to victim-blaming, and frequently ask, “Why doesn’t she just leave?” without understanding the reality of the psychological terror victim-survivors experience in entrapment based relationships. For context, a child dies every six days in the context of child custody disputes. These acts of filicide are intended to punish victim-survivors for leaving entrapment-based relationships. The most dangerous time for any survivor of coercive control is leaving the relationship.
In such relationships, the party feeling entrapped often dreads the consequences of leaving, as the other party may resort to punishments and cruelty as a means of maintaining control.
Breaking free from such a relationship requires support and intervention. Victims can seek assistance from friends, family, or professional counselors to understand the dynamics of the relationship and explore strategies for establishing boundaries and regaining control over their lives.
As autumn settles in, we enter a new season: hobosexual season. As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, these slick-talking opportunists prowl around seeking to exploit financially secure, independent women. While the term may elicit a chuckle, the harm inflicted by these con artists can be severe. While low-level hobosexuals love-bomb their way into a…
Are you experiencing abuse after a separation? Learn about your rights and where to find help during Post-Separation Abuse Awareness Week.
A hobosexual is an underhanded breed of opportunist who enters into romantic relationships primarily to avoid homelessness.1 They are known for charming their way into hearts and homes for a rent-free ride and a steady flow of resources. These characters feel entitled to your residence, income, and domestic labor in exchange for nothing more than the dubious privilege of their company….
On July 1, 2020, domestic violence survivors in Florida received expanded legal protections that include their pets. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bipartisan Senate Bill 1082 into law in June, 2020 allowing courts to include their pets in restraining orders against abusers.1 Perpetrators of coercive control may target pets as a means of inducing fear and submission in the victim, putting their lives at risk….
A new report reveals high rates of intimate partner violence in Hawaii, with 1 in 5 residents experiencing coercive control.
Victoria MP Laurel Collins’ proposed coercive control legislation passes third reading in Canada’s House of Commons
Massachusetts House unanimously passes Bill H 4744 to ban coercive control and revenge porn awaiting Gov. Healey’s signature for enactment.
“Why didn’t you just leave?” is a question bystanders often ask coercive control survivors. It shows the urgent need for increased awareness.
Queensland passes groundbreaking coercive control legislation to tackle intimate partner violence and femicide in honor of Hannah Clarke.