“Why didn't you just leave?” Because leaving isn't always a simple choice. When you're living with fear, physical violence, threats, coercive control and a loss of confidence, sometimes staying can feel safer than leaving. I knew I needed to leave. I just didn't know how.
Tag: Psychological Abuse
Day 3: When Control Becomes Abuse – Understanding Coercive Control
Coercive control isn't always one obvious incident. It can be a pattern of jealousy, monitoring, intimidation, isolation and changing behaviour that gradually takes away your freedom and confidence. I didn't have the words for what I was experiencing at the time. Looking back now, I understand that I wasn't just living with individual incidents — I was living in a pattern of control and fear.
Day 1: Domestic Abuse Doesn’t Always Leave Bruises
Domestic abuse doesn't always leave bruises. Sometimes the deepest wounds are the ones nobody else can see. Emotional abuse, psychological abuse and coercive control can slowly change how you see yourself, leaving you questioning your own feelings, your worth and what is really happening.
