What Is Coercive Control? And Why Do “Evil” People Use It?

Coercive control is a deeply harmful pattern of behavior in which one person systematically dominates another to strip away their freedom, independence, and sense of self. It is not a single frightening incident, but a sustained strategy of psychological abuse that builds over time. Often without visible physical violence. While most commonly associated with intimate relationships, coercive control can also occur within families, workplaces, and other social systems.