Psychological control of the victim through intermittent use of physical assault along with psychological abuse is typical of domestic violence. These tactics are similar to those used against prisoners of war or hostages and they are done for the same purpose: to gain and maintain power and control over the victim.

It is the abuser’s use of physical force that gives power to their psychologically abusive acts.

Psychological abuse becomes an effective weapon in controlling victims because they know through experience that abusers can and will at times back up their threats with physical assaults. Sometimes the abuser is violent only once, but it is the threat that they will be again that keeps the victim fearful and under control.

Perpetrators will use whatever combination of tactics they find most successful with their victim. The tactics used are not random - they are carefully planned and each is used at a time when the perpetrator knows it will be most effective.