Review

Takeaway

• Learning Goal: The goal of this section is to help you recognize the specific coercive control tactics used by perpetrators in immigrant families and understand how cultural factors can complicate their identification.
• What Will You Be Able to Do:
  • Identify various coercive control tactics, including isolation, micro-regulation, manipulation, degradation, and economic abuse, within the context of immigrant families.
  • Understand the cultural and religious elements that may be misused to justify controlling behaviours.
  • Distinguish between healthy, caring behaviour and controlling, coercive behaviour in relationships, especially when cultural practices are involved.
• Application to Your Work:
  • You will be better equipped to provide culturally sensitive support by recognizing when cultural norms are being misused for control.
  • You can more effectively assist clients in differentiating between control and care in their relationships, helping them understand what healthy dynamics look like.
  • This knowledge will enable you to build trust with clients, ensuring they feel supported in navigating their unique cultural and relational challenges, leading to better outcomes in addressing coercive control.

Important Note

Understanding Control vs. Care in Relationships

Sometimes, the line between caring behaviour and controlling behaviour can be blurred. In some traditional families, a woman’s role might be a homemaker, one that stays at home and takes care of the family. If both parties agree, this comes from a place of love and care.

Versus, the other scenario where the woman may not be allowed to work outside, combined with other coercive control behaviours.

Note: please probe further to differentiate between caring and controlling behaviour. Here's how to tell the difference:

Caring Behaviour:

• Comes from a place of love and respect
• Considers your well-being and preferences
• Allows you to make your own choices
• Supports your growth and independence

Controlling Behaviour:

• Aims to limit your freedom and choices
• Disregard your feelings and needs
• Uses fear, guilt, or manipulation to get what they want
• Makes you feel trapped or anxious

Remember: Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, trust, and equality. This is true across all cultures and backgrounds. If you're unsure about a behaviour, ask yourself: "Does this make me feel safe, respected, and free to be myself?"