Nonphysical Abuse and Coercive Control

This chapter explores women’s experiences of nonphysical forms of abuse. Most women reported that the most difficult form of abuse they dealt with was nonphysical abuse, especially emotional abuse. Many women stated that nonphysical abuse deeply impacted on their sense of self and freedom and that it continued to affect them years after they separated from an abusive partner. Other forms of nonphysical abuse that the women highlighted included abusive tactics targeting their role as a mother, isolation within the relationship, and financial abuse. This chapter also considers the particular impacts of nonphysical abuse, including isolation, financial abuse, and threats about their visas, for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, especially those with insecure visa status.