Devaluing (Abusive) Behaviors…
Using Institutions = Threats of punishment from God, courts, police, school, juvenile detention, foster homes, relatives, psych wards.
Isolation = Control access to other parent, siblings, grandparents, friends, etc.
Devaluing (Abusive) Behaviors
Emotional Abuse = Use put downs, name calling & shaming. Use children as confidants or messengers between parents. Be inconsistent.
Economic Abuse = Withhold basic needs. Use money to control behavior. Misuse family money. Non-payment of child support. Use children as economic pawns in divorce.
Threats = Threats of abandonment, suicide, physical harm, confinement, or harm to other loved ones.
Using Adult Privilege = Treat children as possessions or servants. Punitive, “win at all cost” thinking, deny children input, and disrespectful behaviors (i.e. interrupting).
Intimidation = Instill fear through looks, actions, gestures, property destruction. Yelling & physical violence toward people and/or pets.
Physical Violence = Pinching, hitting, kicking, pushing, twisting arms, choking, etc. Sexual touching or kissing, seeing children’s behavior as sexual, and incest.
Source: Adapted from Domestic Abuse Intervention Project –Duluth
