Coercive Control and the Stay–Leave Decision: The Role of Latent Tactics Among a Sample of Abused Pregnant Women

Abstract

Prior research on intimate partner violence (IPV) and a survivor’s decision whether to remain in or leave a violent relationship has often been framed by the question “why do they stay?” This study looks reframe the discussion and examine one facet of this stay–leave decision: abusers’ use of coercive control tactics. Using a qualitative approach with a sample of pregnant women exposed to IPV, we sought to expand on the current knowledge by looking at coercive control more broadly via an open-ended assessment. Interview responses show that (a) coercive control was experienced by most of the women in this sample and (b) coercion most often took the form of “latent” or hidden control, including such tactics as providing incentives, showing remorse, and making promises. However, such latent coercive tactics are rarely assessed in IPV survivors and represent an important factor deserving of further research and recognition.