coercive control
[/koʊˈɜrsɪv kənˈtroʊl/]
nounpl: instances of coercive control
controle coercitivo
1. A pattern of behavior used to dominate, manipulate, isolate, and control another person through fear, humiliation, and degradation, often involving threats, intimidation, or restriction of freedoms
The domestic abuse victim finally escaped years of coercive control when she reached out to a shelter.
A vítima de abuso doméstico finalmente escapou anos de controle coercitivo quando procurou abrigo.
2. In legal contexts, a specific form of domestic abuse recognized in criminal law as distinct from physical violence
The court prosecuted him for coercive control under the new domestic abuse statute.
O tribunal o processou por controle coercitivo sob a nova lei de abuso doméstico.
In Brazil and Portugal, awareness of coercive control as a distinct form of domestic abuse has grown significantly in recent years, particularly through feminist advocacy and legal reforms. The UK introduced coercive control as a specific criminal offense in 2015, which has influenced international legal discourse. In the USA, the term is increasingly used by domestic violence advocates and in some state criminal codes, though recognition varies by jurisdiction. This terminology helps distinguish psychological and behavioral abuse from physical violence.
Related Idioms & Phrases
walking on eggshells (behavior of victims of coercive control)
keeping someone on a tight leash
controlling the narrative
locking someone down
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