SETTING THE STAGE

Domestic violence is a PATTERN of behaviors.  Each battering episode builds on past episodes, setting the stage for future episodes.  The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) recognizes commonly used control tactics:

ISOLATING THE VICTIM

It is the batterer’s intent to control his victim’s time and isolate her from her support system of family and friends who might question his actions.

USING THE CHILDREN

The batterer might punish the children as a way to hurt the victim or might threaten to kidnap or kill the children if she leaves him.

DAMAGING RELATIONSHIPS

The abuser might discredit the victim’s relationships with others in the community by telling them she is crazy or a liar.

ATTACKING PROPERTY OR PETS

The abuser might hit the wall next to the victim, throw objects or break her favorite possessions.  He might harm pets to hurt or intimidate her.

STALKING PARTNER OR EX-PARTNER

The batterer might follow, threaten or harass his partner, or monitor her whereabouts to prove she cannot conceal anything from him.