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A significant component of dynamics of IPV/DV
is the power and control the perpetrator has over the victim.
The Power and Control Wheel was developed by the Duluth
Violence Prevention Program. It came from the work of battered
women in Duluth, Iowa who had been abused by their male partners
and were attending women's education groups sponsored by the
women's shelter. The Wheel used in the curriculum is for men
who have used violence against their female partners. The
Duluth Project recognizes that there are women who use violence
against men, and that there are men and women in same-sex
relationships who use violence, this wheel is meant specifically
to illustrate men's abusive behaviors toward women.
IPV/DV relationships are highly unequal relationships.
The Power and Control Wheel identifies how the perpetrator
utilizes a number of strategies to gain and maintain power
and control over the victim. The perpetrator uses power and
control to problem solve, make decisions and exert his own
will on the victim.
Some men feel remorse and guilt after an episode
of violent behavior and become loving and caring. This behavior
can give the woman hope and allows her to stay in the relationship
until the next episode. This perpetuates the cycle (Saddock
& Saddock, 2004).
Treatment in IPV/DV relationships aims to equalize
the power in the relationship and stop the violence against
victims.
Continue on to Select
Populations and IPV/DV
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