What is it?
‘’Feeling trapped, as if in an invisible cage.’’ ‘’No longer able to make my own decisions.’’ ’’Obeying to avoid reprisals.’’ ‘’Living in constant fear.’’ This is the daily life described by women who are victims of conjugal violence -- a life where they are deprived of resources and freedom.
Where to begin?
Frequently asked questions
Is there a difference between coercive control and conjugal violence?
The two terms refer to the same phenomenon, but coercive control offers a broader view of conjugal violence, highlighting repeated behaviours and rules that persist over time rather than isolated events.
If there's no physical violence, is it really that dangerous?
Despite popular belief, physical violence is only one of the possible indications of danger. One study showed that in 1 in 3 cases of murder or attempted murder in a conjugal context, there had been no physical violence prior to the act.
No physical violence does not mean there is no danger; on the contrary, it can be more dangerous. Obsessive jealousy, refusal to accept the separation and harassment are important indicators that should raise red flags.
To learn more about the behaviours that should alert us, consult the information sheet Recognizing Danger.
Are women as controlling as men?
It is a proven fact that in most cases of conjugal violence, the perpetrator is male, and the victim is female, with the consequences of men's violence being particularly destructive.
Women are more likely than men to report physical injuries and psychological and emotional consequences resulting from violence. In 2021, in Québec, 100% of spousal homicide victims were women (INSPQ, 2022).
To find out more about how conjugal violence disproportionately affects women, particularly women at the crossroads of oppression, see the information sheet Is There a Typical Victim Profile?
I spent time with the couple, but I never witnessed conjugal violence. How come?
A man who uses coercive control with his partner behaves differently in front of others, often appearing calm, pleasant, and kind, leaving those around them unaware of the violence.
Sometimes, certain violent behaviours taken separately can appear inoffensive or even normal. This would include jealousy, cell phone geolocation, and the partner managing the couple’s money.
To learn more about the warning signs, visit the page Identifying.