What is coercive control? Why understanding the warning signs is key to preventing intimate partner violence

What is coercive control and why is it hard to identify and escape?

‘Boundaries’ or coercive control? Experts explain how to tell the difference

Coercive control is as dangerous as physical violence. Hannah Clarke's parents know all too well.

Coercive Control

One of the most painful parts of coercive control is self-doubt. Survivors often say: “I wasn’t sure… but if even a computer can see it, then it must be real.” That moment of recognition matters. Because discomfort isn’t random. If something felt wrong, there’s usually a reason — and there is language for it. Tools like Aimee Says help illuminate patterns survivors were never taught to name: financial abuse, gaslighting, intimidation — all pieces of coercive control. Validation restores clarity.

When survivors finally enter family court, many arrive believing it’s where justice will finally be seen — but for those escaping narcissistic abuse or coercive control, the reality is often far more devastating. As Dr. Ramani explains in this conversation with Dr. Christine Cocchiola, the “divorce industrial complex” is a multi-billion-dollar system where the most antagonistic, abusive cases generate the most profit. Evaluators, GALs, assessments, court-mandated services — all of it becomes fue

Domestic violence experts say more middle-aged, older women are fleeing relationships