Power & Control

Domestic Violence is about holding Power & Control over another Person

What is Intimate Partner Domestic Violence?

Intimate partner domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior used to maintain power in a relationship by one partner over the other. A perpetrator may use a range of abusive behaviors to control their partner. We use the Power & Control wheel to help identify these behaviors.

The Power & Control Wheel

The original Power and Control Wheel was developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Program. It has been translated into over 40 languages and resonates with survivors world-wide.

Our version of the Power and Control Wheel can help provide clarity about the many different tactics used to maintain control over a partner.

Multiple forms of abuse often happen at the same time and can be hard to identify, but they are all used to establish a pattern of intimidation and control within a relationship.

It wasn't until I looked through the power & control wheel that I realized I was in an abusive relationship. The abuse wasn't physical. The wheel helped me realize his behavior wasn't acceptable and that it was time to get help.

- anonymous survivor

Power & Control Tactics Examples of domestic violence in relationships

Dominance

Healthy Relationships Wheel

What makes a relationship healthy?

YWCA Spokane has provided a Healthy Relationship Wheel to help convey what a healthy relationship could include. One based on respect, trust, and nonviolence.

Comparing and contrasting the Healthy Relationship wheel with the Power & Control Wheel can help look at the changes needed for someone to move from being abusive to embracing a non-violent partnership.

For instance, instead of using coercion and threats, a partner resolves conflict or a disagreement based on negotiation and fairness.

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DV 201 Training: Learning In Action

Join YWCA Spokane for this important free, virtual training on May 15th at 2:00pm. Learn more about intimate partner domestic violence, how to help a friend, and about YWCA Spokane’s free and confidential services.

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Join YWCA Spokane this Pride Month for a roundtable conversation about promoting equitable inclusion for trans and gender nonconforming youth this June.

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DV 101-Schulung: Erkennen. Reagieren. Weiterleiten.

Join YWCA Spokane for this important free, virtual training on June 9th at 2:00pm. Learn more about intimate partner domestic violence, how to help a friend, and about YWCA Spokane’s free and confidential services.