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

Economic Abuse

Spiritual Abuse

Cultural Abuse

Immigration Status

Digitaler Missbrauch

Coercion and Threats

Intimidation

Emotional Abuse

Isolierung

Minimizing, Denying, and Blaming

Using Children

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.

Der Blog

Nov. 5, 2025 Nov. 16 @ 3:22 p.m.

YWCA Welcomes Next CEO, Janine Wynne

Following a comprehensive search, YWCA Spokane welcomes Janine Wynne as the next CEO.

Nov. 3, 2025 Nov. 16 @ 3:22 p.m.

DVAM 2025: Spokane Shows Up for Survivors

Each year, Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness in Spokane about the realities of relationship violence and to spark action toward building a community free from abuse.

Nov. 3, 2025 Nov. 16 @ 3:22 p.m.

Jasmine Kazuko Linane-Booey : YWCA Spotlight

Every other month, we highlight people in Spokane who work to advance YWCA’s mission by creating real and lasting change in our community.

Veranstaltungen

Juni 11, 2025 Nov. 17 @ 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

DV 201 Training: Learning In Action

Join YWCA Spokane for this important sequel, virtual training on November 17th at 2:00pm. Learn more about the unique barriers and challenges survivors navigate on a daily basis and talk through how you might help a survivor.

Mai 2, 2025 Nov. 19 @ 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Thread – A Writing Workshop Series for Survivors – This Nov with Sharma Shields

A writing workshop series for survivors of domestic violence happening once a month on a Wednesday. This month with Sharma Shields.

Okt. 9, 2025 Nov. 20 @ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Navigating the Courts: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Join YWCA Spokane for a free workshop designed to help survivors of intimate partner domestic violence feel more confident and prepared when interacting with the legal system.