Chocolate Bar
At First Glance
During the hearing at the courthouse, the abusive partner takes a seat and places a chocolate bar on the table. Just a snack; it's going to be a long day!
The Reality
"My ex did not accept our separation. He decided to harass and demoralize me. As he has studied law, he knows all the legal tricks and represents himself. I have to pay a lawyer to respond to all the legal actions he takes. It's cost me over $70,000 so far. Last month, we had to go before the judge because he didn't want my son to go on vacation with me. Every time I go back to court, I dread the thought of seeing him, and he always puts a chocolate bar in front of him to "remind" me of the time I thought he was going to kill me. It's a way of telling me to keep silent. I go to pieces, just like when we were together, and I was anticipating his return in the evening and his anger."
The Signs
Multiplying legal proceedings and intimidation are examples of coercive control
Why is this Coercive Control?
-
01
Veiled threat
The chocolate bar is a veiled threat to keep her quiet.
-
02
Debt and exhaustion
By instituting numerous legal actions and representing himself, he forces his ex-partner to maintain contact. He ruins her financially and exhausts her emotionally. This is what we call judicial violence combined with economic violence.
Share