Education . Support . Advocacy . Research

Jennifer is a highly skilled professional with an advanced degree in coercive control, working to educate the public, change laws and advocate for survivors of coercive control. She offers services in both individual and group settings, both within the US and internationally. She recognizes and appreciates the vulnerability and trust that it takes to approach understanding what happens to us when we are exposed to coercive and controlling dynamics that have been harmful. She takes care in creating environments in which people feel free to question, have a voice, and be empowered.

Understanding Coercive Control*

Coercive control is a strategic pattern of behavior designed to exploit, control, create dependency and dominate. The victim’s every day existence is micro managed and their space for action as well as potential as a human being is limited and controlled by the abuser.

Initially lovebombing and charm may occur to get the victim into the relationship. Gaslighting, isolation, economic control, financial abuse and rules and regulations are gradually introduced over time once the victim is emotionally invested. A consequence will exist if these spoken or unspoken rules are broken. The rules apply to the victim rather the perpetrator which creates a double standard and the victim fears the consequence if they break a rule.

Over time, coercively controlling behaviour erodes the victim’s sense of self, their confidence and self-esteem, agency and autonomy.

The abuser creates an unreal world of contradiction, confusion and fear. Moreover 51% of victims do not even know that they are being abused, manipulated and controlled.
*(Excerpt is modified from: Laura Richards, 2022)

While coercive control was initially understood within domestic or intimate relationships, it also plays a large role in abusive group environments…aka cults or harmful high demand / high control religions. We often find these dynamics in cases of sex trafficking and gangs as well. This category of high control or high demand groups can span from those that are religious, spiritual, new age, high performance, self improvement, meditation & yoga groups, online groups, MLMs (multi-level marketing), political groups, philosophy & psychology groups, even psychotherapy groups.

It’s not always easy to find the support available to those seeking help regarding cults, high demand groups, coercive control, spiritual and religious abuse.

Please feel free to email jennifer@jennifer-french.com, with any questions or inquiries regarding how to find the resources specific to your needs.

*Please note: Jennifer French Tomasic is not a psychotherapist.