Learn. Connect. Download tools that protect and empower.

 A pattern of threats, isolation, and surveillance used to dominate another person. 

 Use of control over contraception, pregnancy, or reproductive health decisions. 

 Manipulating someone into doubting their own perceptions, memory, or sanity. 

 Misuse of devices, apps, and online platforms to harass, stalk, or monitor. 

 Continued harm after a relationship ends—often via legal tactics, custody interference, or threats. 

Abuse is rooted in one party exerting dominance -emotionally, physically, financially, or digitally.

Often follows a pattern: tension-building → explosive incident → honeymoon phase → calm → repeat.

Includes isolation, threats, surveillance, gaslighting, and manipulation to erode autonomy.

A coping mechanism to reduce fear or shame.

Emotional bonds and trauma bonding can coexist with harm.

Often a result of shame, fear of judgment, or abuser-imposed isolation.

Trauma responses, especially when safety feels threatened.

Abusers may restrict access to money or employment.

Survivors may cling to apologies or promises during the honeymoon phase.

• Allow yourself to grieve the relationship and its impact.
• Understand trauma bonding and why leaving may feel emotionally complex.
• Celebrate small victories—leaving is a process, not a single moment.

•  Understand the cycle of abuse: tension-building → incident → reconciliation → calm. 
•  Identify patterns of coercive control, gaslighting, isolation, or technology-facilitated abuse. 

• Confide in trusted friends, family, or advocates.
• Connect with local domestic violence organizations or hotlines (e.g., National Domestic Violence Hotline).

•  Identify safe exits in your home and community.
• Establish code words with allies for emergency help.
• Prepare emergency bags with documents, cash, and essentials.

•  Save screenshots, voicemails, texts, and medical records.
• Keep a journal of incidents with dates and descriptions.
• Use apps or tech tools designed for secure evidence collection.

• Work with a trauma-informed therapist or counselor.
• Consider legal advocacy for protection orders or custody support.
• Explore financial and housing assistance through survivor programs.

• Limit or block communication if safe to do so.
• Avoid in-person confrontations unless supported by legal or safety professionals.

•  Practice self-compassion and affirmations.
• Engage in creative outlets, movement (e.g., yoga), or spiritual practices.
• Rediscover passions and values that may have been suppressed.

 Tracking someone’s location, online activity, or communications using GPS, spyware, or social media 

 Sharing intimate images without consent (e.g., “revenge porn”), deepfakes, or hidden recordings. 

 Flooding survivors with threatening, sexual, or coercive messages—often across multiple platforms. 

 Hacking phones, blocking access to accounts, or controlling smart home devices. 

 Muting avoids alerting the abuser while limiting exposure. 

  Adds a layer of protection to email, banking, and social media accounts. 

 Devices may be compromised—use tech support or advocates to assess safely. 

 Reduce online visibility of your location, workplace, or routines. 

 Save screenshots, voicemails, and timestamps for legal or advocacy use.