When we speak about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), physical violence is often the first thing that comes to mind. Yet abuse does not always leave visible injuries.
GBV refers to harmful acts directed towards someone because of their gender or socially constructed gender roles. Although women and girls are disproportionately affected, GBV can also affect men, boys and people of diverse gender identities. Intimate partner violence is one form of GBV occurring within current or former intimate relationships.
Importantly, IPV is not limited to physical violence. It can include psychological and emotional abuse, sexual violence, economic abuse, intimidation, isolation, digital abuse and coercive control.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abuse Is About Power and Control
One of the most important principles in understanding abusive relationships is that abuse is not simply about anger. At its core, abuse is often about power and control.
This is closely connected to coercive control, an ongoing pattern of behaviours designed to dominate another person’s life. Survivors may find themselves constantly anticipating the perpetrator’s reactions and changing their behaviour to avoid conflict or punishment.
Control can take many forms, for example:
- Gaslighting: A form of psychological manipulation that may cause survivors to question their memories, perceptions and judgement.
- Economic abuse: This can restrict access to money or employment.
- Isolation: This can gradually disconnect someone from family, friends and other sources of support.
- Digital abuse: Technology can be used for surveillance and intimidation.
When Abuse Changes the Way a Person Sees Themselves
Prolonged abuse can have significant psychological consequences.
Survivors may begin living in a persistent state of fear and hypervigilance. Over time, chronic exposure to coercive control can affect emotional functioning, cognition, decision-making and a person’s sense of identity.
A person who has repeatedly had their perceptions questioned may begin doubting their own judgement. Decisions become harder. Confusion and self-blame may increase.
Eventually, the question “What do I want?” may be replaced by “What will keep them calm?”
The survivor’s needs, preferences and behaviours can become organised around managing threat and avoiding harm. What may appear to outsiders as passivity can therefore be an adaptation to living within an unpredictable and controlling environment.
Understanding this is important because GBV is not only a criminal justice concern. Its effects extend to mental and physical health, families, workplaces and communities.
Final Thoughts
Recognising abuse requires us to look beyond physical injuries and understand the less visible ways in which power, control and prolonged psychological abuse can affect a person’s life.
If you are passionate about supporting individuals, families and communities facing social and psychosocial challenges, the Social Counselling Worker qualification provides an opportunity to develop practical skills for providing supportive counselling, psychoeducation and appropriate referral within the scope of the Social Counselling Worker role.
References
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