Is My Partner Controlling Me? How to Recognize Controlling Behaviors, with Mary Jane McCarthy, LAC

Do you ever have a right to tell your partner what they can and can’t do? Is it ever okay to threaten to leave a relationship if the other person doesn’t change a behavior you don’t like? Where is the line between communicating needs and exerting control over your partner?

Power and control is at the heart of unhealthy relationships, but it’s not always easy to recognize. This episode analyzes all aspects of power and control so listeners can begin to recognize these signs in their relationships or their loved ones relationships.

CONTENT:

(0:00) Introduction

(01:51) What Is Power and Control?

(5:25) Coercion and Threats

(10:02) Control & Threatening to Leave

(12:31) Intimidation

(22:23) Emotional Abuse

(27:08) The Cycle of Violence

(28:17) Isolation

(35:05) Denying, Minimizing, and Blaming

(42:54) Using Children to Maintain Control

(45:32) Status Abuse

(48:43) Financial Abuse

(53:54) Equality in Relationships

(54:46) Physical and Sexual Violence

(55:58) Putting It All Together

(1:00:28) About JBWS & Resources

Power and Control Wheel

Equality Wheel

What Does Emotional Abuse Look and Feel Like?

Resources:

Are you in an unhealthy relationship and living or working in Morris County, New Jersey? JBWS can help call our 24-Hour Helpline at 1.877.782.2873 or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jbws.org/services⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠

Do you recognize controlling or abusive behaviors in yourself? JBWS can also help. Please call 973.539.7801 or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jbws.org/jcnv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you don't live or work in Morris County, NJ please visit https://www.thehotline.org/ or call 800.799.SAFE (7233)

Unsilenced: Real Conversations About Abuse is produced by JBWS, a domestic violence agency serving Morris County, New Jersey. If you're interested in learning more about JBWS, please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jbws.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Intro and outro music donated by Billy Morris