"He Tells People That I Am Going to Kill My Children": Post-Separation Coercive Control in Men Who Perpetrate IPV

Violence Against Women. 2024 Sep;30(11):2853-2876. doi: 10.1177/10778012231166408. Epub 2023 Apr 3.

Abstract

Relatively little research has examined men's use of coercive controlling tactics against female partners after separation. This mixed-methods secondary analysis of 346 Canadian women documented coercive controlling tactics used by their ex-partners (86.4% identified at least one). The composite abuse scale emotional abuse subscale and women being older were associated with men using coercive control tactics post-separation. A secondary qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of 34 women provided additional examples. Abusive partners used numerous strategies to coercively control their ex-partners by stalking/harassing them, using financial abuse and discrediting the women to various authorities. Considerations for future research are presented.

Keywords: coercive control; intimate partner sexual violence; post-separation abuse; violence against women.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Canada
  • Coercion*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Intimate Partner Violence / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Qualitative Research
  • Sexual Partners / psychology