(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

 

A

ABANDONMENT (n.): The act of leaving a dependent person, such as a child or vulnerable adult, without care or support. This can constitute neglect and may have legal ramifications.

ABUSER (n.): An individual who perpetrates abuse. Abusers often use manipulation, threats, and violence to assert dominance over their victim(s).

ACCESS ORDER (n.): A court-issued mandate that allows a non-custodial parent to visit or communicate with their child. Common in family law proceedings.

ACCOMMODATION SYNDROME (n.): A psychological condition often observed in child abuse survivors, characterized by secrecy, delayed disclosure, and conflicting emotions toward the abuser.

ACCOUNTABILITY (n.): The act of taking responsibility for one's actions. In the context of abuse, accountability programs aim to help perpetrators recognize and change abusive behaviors.

ADVOCATE (n.): A professional or volunteer who offers support, guidance, and resources to victims of domestic violence. Advocates work in shelters, legal aid offices, and crisis centers.

ADVOCATE (n.): A trained professional or volunteer who provides support, guidance, and resources to victims of domestic violence. Advocates work in shelters, legal aid offices, and crisis centers.

ALIMONY (n.): Financial support paid by one ex-spouse to another following a divorce or separation. This can be a contentious issue in abusive relationships.

ANIMAL ABUSE (n.): A form of abuse where an abuser harms or threatens to harm a victim’s pet to instill fear or control. Legally recognized in some U.S. states as a form of domestic violence.

ANTI-HARASSMENT ORDER (n.): A court order aimed at preventing an individual from engaging in harassing behavior. Violation of such orders can result in legal penalties.

ATTRITION (n.): A term used in criminal justice to describe the high rate of domestic violence cases that do not result in prosecution due to factors like victim withdrawal or systemic barriers.

AUTONOMY (n.): The right and ability to make one's own decisions. Abusers often seek to undermine their victim’s autonomy.

 

B

BARRING ORDER (n.): A court order issued in Ireland and other regions preventing an abuser from entering the home shared with the victim. Primarily used in European legal systems.

BATTERER INTERVENTION PROGRAM (n.): A program designed to educate and rehabilitate individuals who have committed domestic violence, aiming to prevent future abusive behavior.

BATTERED WOMAN SYNDROME (n.): A psychological condition that can develop in victims of prolonged domestic violence. Symptoms include learned helplessness, fear, and emotional trauma. Recognized in legal defenses in some jurisdictions.

BOUNDARIES (n.): Limits set by individuals to protect their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Abusers frequently disregard these.

BRIDE PRICE/DOWRY ABUSE (n.): Violence or coercion related to cultural practices of dowry payments or bride price, often involving financial exploitation or harm. Common in South Asia and parts of Africa.

BULLYING (n.): Repeated aggressive behavior, often psychological or emotional, that can also occur in domestic settings and may target children or partners.

 

C

CIVIL PROTECTION ORDER (n.): A legal injunction issued by a court to protect an individual from harm or harassment. Commonly used in the United States to address domestic violence.

CHILDHOOD DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (n.): Exposure of children to domestic violence within the home, which can have long-term psychological and emotional effects.

COERCIVE CONTROL (n.): A pattern of behavior aimed at dominating a victim through isolation, intimidation, and control. Legally recognized in the UK and some U.S. states as a form of domestic abuse.

COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE (n.): A non-adversarial legal process where both parties work together with attorneys and other professionals to resolve issues amicably. May be challenging in abusive relationships.

CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE (n.): A legal outcome where a defendant is released under certain conditions, such as attending counseling or treatment programs, without serving jail time.

CONSENT (n.): An agreement to engage in an activity. In relationships, lack of consent constitutes abuse or assault.

CRISIS CENTER (n.): A facility offering immediate support and resources to individuals in crisis, including domestic violence victims.

 

D

DARVO (acronym): An acronym for "Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender," describing a common manipulation tactic used by abusers to deflect blame.

DISSOCIATION (n.): A psychological response to trauma where an individual disconnects from reality or their emotions. Common in victims of severe abuse.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (n.): A pattern of abusive behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. This includes physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and digital abuse.

DOWRY DEATH (n.): A term used in South Asian contexts where a woman is killed or driven to suicide over dowry disputes. Legally recognized in countries like India.

 

E

ECONOMIC ABUSE (n.): A form of control where the abuser restricts access to financial resources, sabotages employment, or creates debt in the victim’s name.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE (n.): Non-physical behaviors such as insults, threats, and humiliation designed to undermine a victim’s self-esteem and mental health.

EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE ORDER (n.): A short-term legal order issued to protect a victim from immediate harm, often granted when courts are not in session.

 

F

FAMILY COURT (n.): A judicial body that handles cases related to family matters, including divorce, child custody, and domestic violence. Specialized courts exist in some jurisdictions.

FINANCIAL ABUSE (n.): A tactic where the abuser exerts control by manipulating financial resources, such as withholding money or forcing the victim to hand over earnings.

FORCED MARRIAGE (n.): A marriage conducted without the consent of one or both parties, often under threat or coercion. Recognized as a form of abuse in many countries.

 

G

GASLIGHTING (n.): A psychological tactic where the abuser manipulates a victim into doubting their perceptions or memories.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (n.): Violence directed at individuals based on their gender or gender identity. Often encompasses domestic violence, sexual assault, and honor-based abuse.

 

H

HARASSMENT (n.): Repeated unwanted behavior that causes distress or fear in the victim, including stalking, excessive communication, or showing up uninvited.

HONOR-BASED ABUSE (n.): Violence or coercion carried out to preserve the family or community's "honor." Prevalent in some Middle Eastern, South Asian, and North African cultures.

 

I

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (n.): Abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. Includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse.

INJUNCTION (n.): A legal order preventing someone from engaging in certain actions, such as approaching or contacting the victim.

 

J

JUDICIAL REVIEW (n.): A court proceeding where a judge reviews the legality or appropriateness of a decision or action, such as the issuance of a protective order.

JUSTIFIABLE HOMICIDE (n.): A legal term used to describe a killing deemed legally permissible, such as self-defense in response to domestic violence.

 

K

KIDNAPPING (n.): The unlawful removal or confinement of a person. In domestic violence, this may involve controlling a partner’s movements.

 

L

LETHALITY ASSESSMENT (n.): A tool used by law enforcement and advocates to evaluate the risk of severe harm or homicide in domestic violence situations.

LEGAL AID (n.): Free or low-cost legal services provided to low-income individuals, including victims of domestic violence.

 

M

MISOGYNY (n.): The hatred or dislike of women or girls, which may manifest in various forms, including discrimination, denigration, and violence.

MUTUAL VIOLENT CONTROL (n.): A rare type of intimate partner violence where both partners are violent and controlling, battling for power in the relationship.

 

N

NO-CONTACT ORDER (n.): A legal order prohibiting an individual from contacting or approaching the protected person, often used in domestic violence cases.

 

O

ORDERS OF PROTECTION (n.): Legal documents issued to safeguard individuals from harm by prohibiting contact or proximity from the abuser.

 

P

PARENTAL ALIENATION (n.): A controversial concept where one parent is accused of manipulating a child to reject the other parent. Often debated in domestic violence cases.

POST-SEPARATION ABUSE (n.): Abusive behaviors that continue or escalate after a relationship has ended, including harassment, stalking, or legal abuse.

POWER AND CONTROL WHEEL (n.): A visual representation developed to illustrate the tactics abusers use to exert dominance and control over their victims.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE (n.): A form of abuse characterized by subjecting another person to behavior that may result in psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 

Q

QUALIFIED IMMUNITY (n.): A legal doctrine shielding public officials, including law enforcement, from liability under certain conditions. Relevant in cases of domestic violence response.

 

R

RESTRAINING ORDER (n.): A court order that prohibits an individual from contacting or approaching the protected party. Violation can lead to legal consequences.

 

S

SAFETY PLAN (n.): A personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after leaving an abusive relationship.

SEXUAL ABUSE (n.): Non-consensual sexual acts or behaviors imposed on a victim. Includes rape, coercion, and unwanted sexual contact.

STALKING (n.): Repeated, unwanted attention or harassment that causes fear or distress. Recognized as a criminal offense in many jurisdictions.

 

T

TRAUMA BONDING (n.): A psychological attachment formed between a victim and their abuser due to cycles of abuse and reconciliation.

TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE (n.): An approach in the human service field that assumes an understanding of trauma and its impact, emphasizing safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment for victims.

TRIGGER WARNING (n.): A notice given to alert individuals about content that may evoke emotional distress or trauma, especially related to abuse.

 

U

UNDUE INFLUENCE (n.): The act of coercing someone to act against their will or best interest, often through manipulation or exploitation. Relevant in cases involving wills, contracts, or financial matters.

 

V

VICTIM ADVOCATE (n.): A professional who provides support and assistance to victims of crime, including domestic violence, helping them navigate legal and social services.

VICTIM BLAMING (n.): The act of holding the victim of a crime or harmful act responsible for what happened to them. Common in discussions of abuse and assault.

VIOLATION (n.): The act of breaching a legal order or agreement, such as a restraining order, often leading to legal consequences.

 

W

WITNESS INTIMIDATION (n.): The act of threatening or coercing a witness to prevent them from testifying or providing truthful information in legal cases, including domestic violence.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE (n.): Any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behavior at work, often overlapping with domestic abuse when the abuser targets the victim at their workplace.

WITNESS TAMPERING (n.): The act of attempting to alter or prevent the testimony of witnesses within criminal or civil proceedings, including in domestic violence cases.

 

X

XENOPHOBIC ABUSE (n.): Abuse directed at someone based on their nationality or ethnicity, which can intersect with domestic violence in multicultural relationships.

 

Y

YOUTH VIOLENCE (n.): Acts of harm or aggression committed by or against young individuals, often in domestic settings or peer relationships.

 

Z

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY (n.): A policy that imposes strict consequences for certain behaviors, such as acts of domestic violence, without exceptions.

ZERO TOLERANCE (n.): A strict policy approach that imposes severe penalties for abusive or violent behaviors without exceptions or leniency.

 

GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS for High-Conflict Divorces and Relationships with Narcissistic Behaviors

 

A

ALIENATION OF AFFECTION (n.): A legal action alleging that a third party is responsible for the failure of a marriage, often due to an affair. Legal Term. See also: PARENTAL ALIENATION.

ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER (ASPD) (n.): A mental health disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of disregard for, or violation of, the rights of others. Psychological Concept.

B

BLAME SHIFTING (n.): A manipulative tactic where an individual redirects fault to others to avoid personal responsibility. Psychological Concept. See also: GASLIGHTING.

BREADCRUMBING (n.): The act of sending intermittent, non-committal messages to keep someone interested without genuine intent. Manipulative Behavior.

BOUNDARY TESTING (n.): Behaviors designed to test or push personal boundaries as a way to assert control or dominance. Manipulative Behavior.

C

COERCIVE CONTROL (n.): A pattern of behavior aimed at dominating a partner through intimidation, isolation, and manipulation. Abuse Pattern. See also: GASLIGHTING, FINANCIAL ABUSE.

COUNTER-PARENTING (n.): When a parent actively works against the other parent’s efforts, often undermining their authority or decisions regarding their children. Parental and Custody Dynamics. See also: PARALLEL PARENTING.

CYCLE OF ABUSE (n.): A repetitive pattern in abusive relationships, consisting of tension-building, abusive incidents, reconciliation, and calm phases. Abuse Pattern.

D

DISTORTION CAMPAIGN (n.) A strategy where false information is spread to damage someone’s reputation, often seen in high-conflict divorces. Manipulative Behavior. See also: GASLIGHTING, PARENTAL ALIENATION.

DISNEYLAND PARENTING (n.): When one parent focuses only on fun and indulgence with children, avoiding responsibilities like discipline or caregiving. Parental and Custody Dynamics.

E

EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL (n.): A form of manipulation where someone uses guilt, fear, or obligation to control another’s behavior. Psychological Concept.

F

FLYING MONKEYS (n.): Individuals manipulated by a narcissist to do their bidding, often unknowingly contributing to the narcissist’s agenda. Manipulative Behavior.

FINANCIAL ABUSE (n.): The use of money, resources, or financial control to manipulate or dominate another person. Abuse Pattern. See also: COERCIVE CONTROL.

G

GASLIGHTING (n.): A form of psychological manipulation where a person seeks to make someone doubt their perceptions, memories, or sanity. Psychological Concept.

See also: DISTORTION CAMPAIGN, REACTIVE ABUSE.

GREY ROCK METHOD (n.): A technique where a person becomes emotionally unresponsive and disengaged to discourage a manipulative individual’s behavior. Coping Strategy.

H

HOOVERING (n.): A tactic where a person attempts to suck someone back into a relationship or situation they had previously left. Manipulative Behavior.

HIGH-CONFLICT PERSONALITY (n.): A personality type characterized by an ongoing need to escalate conflict and avoid resolution, often seen in family law disputes. Psychological Concept. See also: LITIGATION BULLYING.

I

INTERMITTENT REINFORCEMENT (n.): A conditioning schedule in which a reward or punishment is not administered every time the desired response is performed, often leading to strong behavioral patterns. Psychological Concept.

INTIMIDATION TACTICS (n.): Actions or threats designed to create fear and compliance in another person. Manipulative Behavior.

L

LITIGATION BULLYING (n.): The misuse of the legal system to intimidate, harass, or financially exhaust an ex-partner. Legal Term. See also: LEGAL ABUSE.

LOVE BOMBING (n.): An attempt to influence a person by demonstrations of attention and affection, often to gain control or manipulate. Manipulative Behavior.

N

NEGATIVE ADVOCATE (n.): Someone who supports and amplifies a high-conflict individual’s distorted perceptions and behaviors, often in legal settings. Legal Term.

NARCISSISTIC INJURY (n.): Emotional trauma inflicted on a narcissist when their self-esteem or self-worth is threatened or undermined. Psychological Concept.

NARCISSISTIC RAGE (n.): Intense anger or aggression exhibited by a narcissist when they perceive a threat to their self-esteem or self-worth. Psychological Concept.

NO-CONTACT RULE (n.): A strategy for disengaging from an abusive partner by cutting off all communication except when legally required. Coping Strategy. See also: GREY ROCK METHOD.

P

PARALLEL PARENTING (n.): A co-parenting arrangement where divorced parents disengage from each other and have limited direct contact, focusing separately on their relationship with their child. Parental and Custody Dynamics.. See also: COUNTER-PARENTING.

PARENTIFICATION (n.): A role reversal where a child is obliged to act as the caregiver to their parent, often leading to emotional distress. Parental and Custody Dynamics.

PARENTAL ALIENATION (noun): A process by which one parent manipulates a child to reject the other parent, often for personal or strategic gain. Parental and Custody Dynamics.

POST-SEPARATION ABUSE (noun): Continued abuse and control tactics after a relationship ends, often through co-parenting, legal battles, or stalking. Abuse Pattern. See also: LITIGATION BULLYING, COUNTER-PARENTING.

R

REACTIVE ABUSE (n.): When an abuse victim reacts strongly to their abuser’s provocations, and the abuser uses that reaction to portray the victim as the aggressor. Abuse Pattern. See also: GASLIGHTING.

S

SPLITTING (n.): A defense mechanism where an individual views others or themselves in all-or-nothing terms, as entirely good or entirely bad. Psychological Concept.

STALKING AND SURVEILLANCE (n.): Physical or digital tracking of an ex-partner’s movements, often to exert control or intimidation. Abuse Pattern.

T

TRIANGULATION (n.): A manipulation tactic where one person uses a third party to communicate with or influence another, often to control or create conflict. Manipulative Behavior.

TRAUMA BONDING (n.): A strong emotional attachment that forms between a victim and their abuser, often due to cycles of abuse and reconciliation. Psychological Concept.

 

MORE TERMS BEING ADDED SOON!

Please note that this glossary of terms is, and shall always remain a work in progress. We seek to add common phrases, legal terms and internationally utilized words/phases relevant to domestic violence and intimate partner abuse. 

You are welcome to contribute with any terms you may find relevant. While we truly appreciate your submissions and take each one into careful consideration, please note that due to the high volume of emails received, we're unable to provide individual responses.

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