Power and Control - The Duluth Model

In this episode Stephen Herd and I continue our discussion on the power and control wheel.

The Power and Control Wheel was developed by a group of activists in

Duluth, Minnesota, in the 1980s, who recognised the need for a

comprehensive approach to address family violence. The Duluth Model is

based on the belief that domestic violence is a result of the abuser's

desire for power and control over their partner.

According to the Duluth Model, domestic violence is not caused by anger,

substance abuse, or mental illness. Instead, it is a deliberate tactic

used by abusers to control and dominate their partners. The Duluth Model

identifies several different types of abuse, including physical abuse,

sexual abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, and psychological abuse.

These are presented in the Power and Control Wheel as a circular diagram

that outlines the different tactics used by abusers.

The Power and Control Wheel helps to illustrate the cyclical nature of

family violence. The abuser may use a combination of different tactics

to gain control over their partner, and the victim may respond with

different coping strategies, such as walking on eggshells or trying to

appease the abuser. Over time, the abuse can escalate, and the victim

may feel trapped and unable to escape the cycle of violence.

The Duluth Model and Power and Control Wheel are useful tools for

understanding the dynamics of family violence and identifying ways to

address it. They help to shift the focus away from the victim and onto

the abuser, recognizing that family violence is a result of a deliberate

choice made by the abuser to maintain power and control.

There are several different approaches to addressing family violence,

including criminal justice interventions, civil protective orders, and

community-based interventions. The Duluth Model emphasizes the need for a

coordinated community response to address family violence, including

law enforcement, the court system, and community-based organizations.

One of the strengths of the Duluth Model and Power and Control Wheel is

that they recognise the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to

addressing family violence. Family violence is a complex issue that

requires a coordinated response from multiple sectors, including the

criminal justice system, social services, healthcare, and education

Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.

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