Interpersonal

Coercive Control

What it is

A sustained pattern of domination through monitoring, intimidation, and restriction of autonomy.

How it works

Rather than relying on single dramatic incidents, coercive control is a systematic pattern of behavior that strips away freedom piece by piece. It can include surveillance, micromanagement of daily activities, enforcing trivial rules, threats, and degradation — all creating a climate of fear and total compliance.

Real-world examples

  • •A partner who tracks the other's location, monitors texts, controls their clothing choices, and dictates who they can see.
  • •A parent who reads an adult child's diary, intercepts their mail, and requires hourly check-ins.
  • •A manager who requires employees to justify every bathroom break and monitors their screens continuously.

Ethical guidelines

  • ●Autonomy is a fundamental human right that no relationship entitles you to revoke.
  • ●Trust is built through transparency, not through surveillance.
  • ●Recognize that coercive control is recognized as a crime in many jurisdictions.

How to defend against it

  • ►Document patterns of control with dates, times, and specifics.
  • ►Reach out to domestic violence organizations who specialize in coercive control.
  • ►Develop a safety plan with a trusted person outside the controlling relationship.

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