Invisible Chains

Domestic Violence

10 Tips to Protect Children From Abusers After a Separation

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on April 28, 2023

Is your young child's other parent abusive to you? Learn steps to keep your child safe.

Is your young child's other parent abusive to you? Learn steps to keep your child safe.

Embarrassment

Understanding Coercive Control and Intrafamilial Child Torture

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on November 18, 2022

Isolation, humiliation, and labor exploitation are some of the tactics abusers frequently use. But victims can find help.

Isolation, humiliation, and labor exploitation are some of the tactics abusers frequently use. But victims can find help.

Parenting

7 Common Post-Separation Abuse Tactics

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on August 6, 2022

Domestic abuse often continues long after the relationship is "over." Learn about abusers' post-separation tactics so that you can offer survivors the right kind of support.

Domestic abuse often continues long after the relationship is "over." Learn about abusers' post-separation tactics so that you can offer survivors the right kind of support.

Domestic Violence

Even After Escape, Children Still Suffer Domestic Abuse

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on April 21, 2022

Where one parent is a domestic abuser, shared custody puts the children at risk of continued harm.

Where one parent is a domestic abuser, shared custody puts the children at risk of continued harm.

Divorce

It's Post-Separation Legal Abuse, Not High Conflict Divorce

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on January 18, 2022

After separation, abusers often torment their ex-partners through the courts. Judges sometimes fail to see this abuse for what it is and blame both parties.

After separation, abusers often torment their ex-partners through the courts. Judges sometimes fail to see this abuse for what it is and blame both parties.

Sexual Abuse

"I Think Someone Drugged Me"

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on December 26, 2021

Know what to do if you think someone has slipped you drugs.

Know what to do if you think someone has slipped you drugs.

Relationships

A Most Disturbing Tactic of Abuse and Control in a Relationships

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on December 26, 2021

Some people drug their partner as a way to control, disable, discredit, or sexually assault them.

Some people drug their partner as a way to control, disable, discredit, or sexually assault them.

Domestic Violence

Expert Witnesses in Domestic Violence and Coercive Control

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on August 25, 2021

The R. Kelly case of alleged abuse and control of boys, girls, and young women is all over the news. Expert witnesses may help the court understand what happened.

The R. Kelly case of alleged abuse and control of boys, girls, and young women is all over the news. Expert witnesses may help the court understand what happened.

Domestic Violence

The Mind Control Tactics of Domestic Abusers

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on May 27, 2021

Domestic abusers' mind control tactics brainwash their partners. Survivors can learn ways to clear their heads and return to their true selves.

Domestic abusers' mind control tactics brainwash their partners. Survivors can learn ways to clear their heads and return to their true selves.

Domestic Violence

Tips for Testifying About Domestic Abuse or Sexual Assault

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on February 18, 2021

Victims of sexual assault and domestic violence often feel panicked about testifying in court. These tips can help calm your nerves and improve your testimony.

Victims of sexual assault and domestic violence often feel panicked about testifying in court. These tips can help calm your nerves and improve your testimony.

Domestic Violence

Ultra-Orthodox Jews, Domestic Violence, and Coercive Control

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on October 26, 2020

Hasidic Jewish women face particular challenges when leaving an abusive husband. To help, we need to understand their culture and circumstances.

Hasidic Jewish women face particular challenges when leaving an abusive husband. To help, we need to understand their culture and circumstances.

Fear

Why the Silent Treatment Is a Tactic of Abuse and Control

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on September 8, 2020

Being ignored by a partner increases feelings of vulnerability and fear.

Being ignored by a partner increases feelings of vulnerability and fear.

Relationships

Help Someone in an Abusive or Controlling Relationship

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on June 29, 2020

Learn six ways you can help a friend or family member who is being abused or controlled by their intimate partner.

Learn six ways you can help a friend or family member who is being abused or controlled by their intimate partner.

Domestic Violence

Should I Start a New Relationship After Domestic Violence?

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on May 11, 2020

Staying at home during the pandemic can be lonely. If you are considering entering a new relationship, ask yourself some questions first to see if it will be safe and healthy.

Staying at home during the pandemic can be lonely. If you are considering entering a new relationship, ask yourself some questions first to see if it will be safe and healthy.

Relationships

Not Falling for That! Resisting Control Disguised as Love

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on January 4, 2020

"Loving" acts in an abusive relationship function as bait. Be cautious, like an animal in the forest. You do not need to eat from that trap.

"Loving" acts in an abusive relationship function as bait. Be cautious, like an animal in the forest. You do not need to eat from that trap.

Career

Workplace Coercive Control: More than a “Bad Boss”

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on August 11, 2019

If you feel isolated, dominated, and humiliated at work, you may be suffering from workplace coercive control.

If you feel isolated, dominated, and humiliated at work, you may be suffering from workplace coercive control.

Health

Working With Amish Families on Child Abuse and Neglect

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on May 18, 2019

Amish children may face special child abuse risks. These suggestions can keep children and families safe and strong.

Amish children may face special child abuse risks. These suggestions can keep children and families safe and strong.

Domestic Violence

Are the Kids Really Alright after Domestic Violence?

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on April 12, 2019

After domestic violence, parents can assess their children and teens for trauma symptoms, and provide them with the calm and safety they need to recover.

After domestic violence, parents can assess their children and teens for trauma symptoms, and provide them with the calm and safety they need to recover.

Trauma

Lasting Trauma of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on March 15, 2019

FGM traumatizes women psychologically, physically, and sexually. Committed Kenyans are working to change norms around FGM and promote recovery in girls, women, and communities.

FGM traumatizes women psychologically, physically, and sexually. Committed Kenyans are working to change norms around FGM and promote recovery in girls, women, and communities.

Friends

How Domestic Abusers Groom and Isolate Their Victims

Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. on February 19, 2019

Abusers often hide their intentions with of romance. All that "loving" attention feels great—until it doesn't.

Abusers often hide their intentions with of romance. All that "loving" attention feels great—until it doesn't.