Power & Control

The Power & Control Wheel was developed after interviewing battered women in support groups and men in batterer's groups. The women were asked to identify the ways in which they felt they were controlled, and the men were asked to identify what tactics they used to maintain an environment of fear and control (Pence, 1987).

At the center of the Wheel is the intention or purpose of all the abusive tactics in order for the batterer to establish power and control. Each spoke of the Wheel represents a particular tactic (i.e. economic abuse, threats, and intimidation). The rim of the Wheel that holds it together is physical abuse and the threat of violence (Pence, 1987).

Tactics of abuse involve a variety of behaviors ranging from degrading remarks, cruel jokes, economic exploitation, punches, kicks, threats, false imprisonment, sexual abuse, suffocating actions, choking, maiming assaults, and homicide.

For more information see "Why Does a Victim Stay?"