What is a common tactic used by abusers?

Using manipulation to maintain control is a common tactic employed by abusers because it allows them to assert power over their victims while creating an environment of fear and confusion. This manipulation can take many forms, such as gaslighting, where the abuser distorts the victim's perception of reality or their own feelings, leading the victim to doubt themselves. Abusers may isolate their victims from friends and family, monitor their activities, or use emotional blackmail to ensure compliance and obedience. By maintaining control through manipulative tactics, abusers reinforce their dominance, making it difficult for victims to break free from the cycle of abuse.

In contrast, encouraging independence in victims or demonstrating vulnerability are not strategies typically associated with abusive behavior; rather, these actions can empower victims and potentially lead to an escape from the abusive situation. Exhibiting remorse and fear of consequences might occasionally be seen in abusers, but it often serves as a temporary tactic to manipulate the victim into forgiving them, rather than a consistent behavior aimed at maintaining control.