October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Power & Control Wheel

Originally published 10/7/2025

What does domestic violence look like? Where can I find help and resources for domestic violence?

The Power and Control Wheel* was created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project to demonstrate various tactics used by abusers – physical, emotional, sexual, financial, etc. – to dominate their partners. It highlights abusive patterns and illustrates that these actions are intentional, not random.

·         Coercion and Threats

·         Intimidation

·         Emotional Abuse

·         Isolation

·         Minimizing, Denying, Blaming

·         Using Children

·         Using Male Privilege

·         Economic Abuse

·         Physical and/or Sexual Violence

If you find yourself in a situation involving any of the above, the first thing to consider is your and your children’s safety. Creating a safety plan can be instrumental to ensuring you and your children are safe and supported. Here are some resources: 

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit https://www.thehotline.org

DomesticShelters.org: https://www.domesticshelters.org 

A New Leaf: 480-969-4024, https://TurnANewLeaf.org   

An experienced family law attorney can help you take all necessary steps to protect you and your children from further harm.

*Copyright by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, 202 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN, 55802, (218) 722-2781.