Power And Control Wheel

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As discussed throughout the course and the readings, researchers conclude that domestic violence (DV) is an important issue that unfortunately affects individuals and families all around the world. Domestic violence refers to a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one partner to gain and maintain power and control over another in an intimate relationship (United Nations, n.d.). Although these patterns of intimate partner violence look different in all situations, researchers and DV advocates understand the dynamics of domestic violence, through the Power and Control Wheel as created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs (DAIP) as well as the Cycle of Abuse wheel. Although there are many alterations of the Power and Control wheel, the two …show more content…

The Cycle of Abuse Wheel and the Power and Control Wheel, allows advocates and survivors to further understand the nature of domestic violence and the ways in which abusers manipulate and control their victims. This tool is not only helpful for understanding the dynamics of abuse, but also for raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for change to end domestic violence in our communities. It is important to begin with the cycle most DV relationships mimic because it goes to show that violence in a relationship does not typically happen overnight. It is a strategic plan that the abuser continues to develop as the relationship goes further, to allow them to exert control over their partner. The Cycle of Abuse Wheel is a model that illustrates the typical pattern of behavior in an abusive relationship. Developed by Lenore Walker in the 1970s, it is based on her observations of the experiences of women who had been subjected to domestic violence (Gillette, 2022). The wheel is divided into three main phases: tension building, acute explosion or incident, and honeymoon or reconciliation

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