Domestic violence does not always present itself as physical; more often, abusers use mental tactics to control their victims. 

Andrea Kocher with Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County explains that the intent of emotional abuse is to gain power and control over their victim. This can start with behaviors like blaming, but can be as extreme as threats and constant ridicule. 

Oftentimes, abusers will use intentionally confusing behavior to hold control over a victim. Kocher says sometimes an abuser will do something nice, followed by something extremely cruel to prey on the insecurities and self-worth of their victim. 

Creating a chaotic or unstable home is another way abusers take advantage of their victims. They want to eliminate places where the victim feels comfortable and perpetuate the need to keep the abuser happy in order to stay safe.  

Kocher indicates that gaslighting and making a victim feel crazy are the behaviors she sees most often. Denial is a behavior that is used to make a victim feel like they are not being abused, even when they are. 

There are so many ways that a domestic abuser uses mental attacks to control their victims, and we'll have more on that topic with Kocher in the days ahead on Regional Radio. 

Learn more about the services offered by Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County by visiting willotreemissions.org.