The Wheel of Violence (also known as the “Power and Control Wheel”) is an educational tool that illustrates how abusers use various tactics to gain and maintain control over their partner. The center of the wheel represents power and control, while the outer circles show specific forms of violence and manipulation.
Structure of the Wheel of Violence
• Central part: Power and control – the abuser’s primary goal.
• Outer circles: Various tactics used by abusers, including:
• Sexual violence: forcing sexual activity without consent.
• Emotional and psychological violence: insults, intimidation, threats.
• Economic violence: controlling finances, denying access to money.
• Use of children: manipulation or threats involving children.
• Male privilege: insisting on traditional gender roles.
• Isolation: preventing contact with friends, family, or the community.
• Minimizing, denying, blaming: downplaying the severity of abuse, denying incidents, blaming the victim.
Purpose and Importance
The Wheel of Violence helps victims recognize patterns of abuse and manipulation in their relationship.
It is also used in education and violence prevention to raise awareness about different forms of abuse and how they manifest.
