Domestic Violence & Coercive Control

Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) is not limited to physical violence. It includes behaviours used to control, intimidate, or harm another person within a relationship or family. DFV can occur between current or former partners, family members, carers, or within extended family relationships.

DFV may involve emotional, psychological, verbal, sexual, financial, social, or spiritual abuse. People experiencing DFV often feel fearful, isolated, controlled, or unsafe, with impacts that can continue long after the abuse has ended.

A common form of DFV is coercive control — a pattern of behaviours designed to undermine a person's independence, confidence, and freedom. This may include monitoring movements, controlling finances, isolation from family and friends, threats, manipulation, persistent criticism, or gaslighting.

Experiencing coercive control can leave you feeling confused, isolated, anxious, and disconnected from yourself. Because it often develops gradually, many people struggle to recognise what is happening or begin to doubt their own thoughts and experiences.

Counselling may help you to:

• Understand the dynamics of coercive control and abuse
• Rebuild confidence and trust in your own judgement
• Strengthen boundaries and reconnect with your sense of self
• Process emotions such as fear, grief, anger, guilt, or shame
• Develop strategies to support emotional wellbeing and safety
• Navigate relationship, separation, family, or co-parenting challenges
• Reconnect with personal strengths and support networks

Every situation is unique, and decisions about relationships can be complex. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to provide a compassionate space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to make informed choices.

Healing from coercive control is often about reclaiming your voice, confidence, safety, and sense of self. I am committed to supporting you as you move towards greater clarity, resilience, and wellbeing.