Coercive control is best described as what?

• A. A single incident of violence
• B. A pattern of behaviors to dominate, monitor, isolate, and manipulate autonomy
• C. Financial abuse only
• D. A momentary loss of trust

Answer: (B)

Coercive control is an ongoing pattern of behaviors designed to dominate and limit someone’s autonomy. It’s about power and control over daily life—monitoring, isolating, restricting who they can see or where they can go, controlling finances, and using threats or manipulation to keep them compliant. This can happen even without physical violence, and it can occur alongside violence or in its absence. The best description captures the sustained, controlling pattern rather than a single incident, narrow financial focus, or a fleeting feeling of distrust.