NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Travel
  • Home & Away
  • Podcasts
  • Win
  • Video
NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Travel
  • Home & Away
  • Podcasts
  • Win
  • Video
Subscribe
Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

Ex-NRL star suspected of killing himself and his three children

Ex-NRL star suspected of killing himself and his three children

Shock pics: Nicole Kidman collapses in agony

Shock pics: Nicole Kidman collapses in agony

Meghan Markle's brother is HOMELESS and says Harry's to blame

Meghan Markle's brother is HOMELESS and says Harry's to blame

Details of NRL star's BRUTAL attack on partner heard in court

Details of NRL star's BRUTAL attack on partner heard in court

{headline}

{headline}

Johnny Depp claims HE was the victim of domestic violence

Johnny Depp claims HE was the victim of domestic violence

BREAKING! Former child star arrested over domestic violence horror

BREAKING! Former child star arrested over domestic violence horror

Tara Pavlovic responds to Samuel Cochrane's 'physical abuse' allegations

{headline}

{headline}

MAFS Tracey's violent hell: I was terrorised

Famous singer arrested on domestic violence charges

Rihanna’s Instagram Story cost Snapchat US$800M in value

Rihanna’s Instagram Story cost Snapchat US$800M in value

Demi Lovato family horror: he cut off my finger

Demi Lovato family horror: he cut off my finger

Heather Locklear arrested on suspicion of domestic violence

My husband’s evil secret – he abused my kids for 12 years

7th Heaven's Jeremy London arrested for alleged domestic violence

  1. Home
  2. Health & Wellbeing

Join The Dots: How To Recognise The Signs Of Coercive Control

Many women in controlling relationships have no idea they’re being abused – here’s how to recognise the signs.
  • 01 Oct 2020
Join The Dots: How To Recognise The Signs Of Coercive Control

While domestic violence is a prominent issue in Australia, coercive control is only illegal in one state: Tasmania. Defined as a series of non-physical behaviours including threats, humiliation, monitoring and isolation from friends and family, coercive control can strip a person of their autonomy and self-worth, making it difficult for them to recognise they are being abused and leave the relationship. Women often describe these non-physical forms of abuse as being severely damaging to their self-esteem, independence and wellbeing.

Here, we list some of the most common signs of coercive control to help you identify if you (or someone you know) is in an abusive relationship:

Isolating you from your family and friends

If your partner actively discourages you from seeing or talking to people in your support network, this is a red flag. He might monitor your calls, move you away from family and family so you can’t access them, or try and convince you your loved ones do not want to see you.

Monitoring your activity

If there are cameras set up around your house in areas like the bedroom or bathroom, or your partner is actively spying on you, this is a major cause for concern and an infringement of your privacy. He may also take away your phone to stop you contacting anyone and regularly read your messages and emails.

Restricting your finances

This is a tactic to make you entirely dependent on your partner for money and therefore make it impossible for you to leave him. He may cut off access to your accounts, force you to quit your job or restrict your access to transport.

Name-calling

While it sounds harmless enough, name-calling is actually malicious, bullying behaviour that might also be done in front of other people as a guise to make it seem innocent. If your partner displays a clear lack of respect towards you, it’s a sign of coercive control.

Telling you what to wear or how to look

If your partner gives you specific outfits to wear or makes you change into what he wants, this is cause for concern. He might also tell you what makeup to wear or how to do your hair.

Disregarding your health

Your partner might restrict the amount of food you eat every day, or withhold important medications as a form of punishment. Alternately, he may force you to exercise or give you medications you don’t need.

He threatens to harm your children or pets

This step is often regarded as a precursor to domestic violence and can have fatal consequences.

If you recognise any of these signs within your relationship, or suspect a friend might be in trouble, please call 1800 RESPECT.

  • News
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Love And Relationships

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!

Recommended to you

Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

Ex-NRL star suspected of killing himself and his three children

Ex-NRL star suspected of killing himself and his three children

Shock pics: Nicole Kidman collapses in agony

Shock pics: Nicole Kidman collapses in agony

Meghan Markle's brother is HOMELESS and says Harry's to blame

Meghan Markle's brother is HOMELESS and says Harry's to blame

Details of NRL star's BRUTAL attack on partner heard in court

Details of NRL star's BRUTAL attack on partner heard in court

{headline}

{headline}

Johnny Depp claims HE was the victim of domestic violence

Johnny Depp claims HE was the victim of domestic violence

BREAKING! Former child star arrested over domestic violence horror

BREAKING! Former child star arrested over domestic violence horror

Tara Pavlovic responds to Samuel Cochrane's 'physical abuse' allegations

{headline}

{headline}

MAFS Tracey's violent hell: I was terrorised

Famous singer arrested on domestic violence charges

Rihanna’s Instagram Story cost Snapchat US$800M in value

Rihanna’s Instagram Story cost Snapchat US$800M in value

Demi Lovato family horror: he cut off my finger

Demi Lovato family horror: he cut off my finger

Heather Locklear arrested on suspicion of domestic violence

My husband’s evil secret – he abused my kids for 12 years

7th Heaven's Jeremy London arrested for alleged domestic violence

NewIdea
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions
NewIdea Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions

Brands

  • Girlfriend
  • New Idea food
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Instyle
  • Beauty Crew
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from New Idea

Magazine Subscription Offer

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Shop This Offer
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!