Shelter for women victims of domestic violence and their children

Is my spouse controlling?

The following list will give you a good idea of the vast variety of tactics used by controlling men. They could help you identify some that are being used against you.

As you read these lists, check the ones that seem familiar to you. Then, read your answers again to see how many you checked. Taken individually, many of these might seem unimportant, but your answers could reveal meaningful tendencies. And don’t forget, this list covers just some of the tactics spouses could use.

These examples are very specific, and many of them may not be relevant to your spouse’s behaviour.

Controlling through criticism

Controlling with humour, anger, threats

Controlling by being overprotective and excessively attentive

Controlling by denying your perceptions (“gaslighting”)

Controlling through disregard for your needs and opinions

Controlling through unilateral decision-making

Controlling through finances

Controlling through blame

Controlling by limiting your contact with other people

Controlling through physical intimidation

Controlling through sexual humiliation

Controlling through physical and sexual violence