Abusive power and control

Abusive power and control (also controlling behavior, coercive control and sharp power) is the way that an abusive person gains and maintains power and control over another person, as a victim, in order to subject that person to psychological, physical, sexual, or financial abuse. The motivations of the abuser are varied, such as personal gain, personal gratification, psychological projection, devaluation, envy or just for the sake of it as the abuser may simply enjoy exercising power and control.

Controlling behavior

Controlling behavior is a way for the abuser to maintain dominance over their victims. It may be subtle, characterized by manipulation, or it may be overt and intimidating. Controlling behavior, in this context, is intended to make a victim dependent on the abuser, depriving them of their rights, and reducing their ability to protect themselves.

Coercive control

Coercive control is a strategic form of ongoing oppression and terrorism used to instill fear. The tactics of coercive control are based on creating fear of violence, isolation, and control of resources, which are used to intimidate and diminish the victim's self-worth and independence.

Sharp power

Sharp power, as a form of abusive power and control, refers to political influence strategies that are aggressive, manipulative, or coercive. It is often used by authoritarian regimes to manipulate public opinion and to undermine democracy.

Psychological projection

Psychological projection is a defense mechanism in which the abuser attributes their own unacceptable impulses to their victim. For example, an abuser who is paranoid will accuse their victim of plotting against them.

Devaluation

In the context of abusive power and control, devaluation involves the abuser seeing the victim as less than they are, reducing their self-esteem and making them more susceptible to manipulation.

Envy

Envy may also be a motivating factor in abusive power and control. The abuser may perceive that they are lacking something that the victim has, and this perception leads to the abuser trying to control the victim.

See also

• Domestic violence
• Bullying
• Gaslighting
• Narcissistic abuse
• Psychological manipulation