Emotional & Physical Tactics

Loving Acts

Explanation: Occasional acts of kindness and affection are used to bond the victim to the abuser, making them more compliant and less likely to leave.

Example: After being abusive, at times the abuser might act very loving. This confuses the victim and makes them think the abuser has changed. This leads to the cycle of abuse.

Sexual Coercion

Description: Sexual coercion happens when one partner is pressured or forced into intimacy without agreeing, often through threats, tricks, or physical force. Abusers might use religion and culture to make their partners believe they can't refuse sexual demands. An abuser might pressure their partner into unwanted intimacy through various means, including threats of abandonment, physical intimidation, or misusing cultural or religious beliefs to manipulate consent. It's crucial to understand that such behaviour is not representative of any specific culture or faith, but rather a misuse of personal beliefs for control.

Example: For example, an abuser might say something like: "God will be angry with you if you are not fulfilling your duties as a wife." However, it's important to recognize that different cultural and religious practices emphasize mutual respect, consent, and the well-being of both partners in a relationship.

Intimidation

Explanation: Intimidation is a tactic used by abusers to create fear and maintain control over their partner. In immigrant communities, this can take on unique forms that exploit cultural norms, unfamiliarity with the new country's systems, or language barriers.

Example: In immigrant communities, intimidation might look like:

• Threatening to report the victim to immigration authorities if they don't comply with demands
• Using a victim's limited language skills against them, making them feel helpless in the new country
• Exploiting cultural beliefs about family honour to prevent the victim from seeking help
• Manipulating religious or cultural practices to justify controlling behaviour

Episodes of Physical Violence

Explanation: Physical violence includes using physical intimidation or harm to control and scare the victim.

Example: The abuser might use physical force to push the victim, grab them hard, or show other aggressive behaviours without leaving visible marks.

Reproductive Control

Explanation: Reproductive control means controlling a partner’s choices about having children. This includes forcing pregnancy or abortion, and interfering with birth control.

Example: An abuser might tamper with contraception to cause pregnancy, force the victim to end a pregnancy, or threaten violence if the victim doesn't agree with them.