Kids may be used as tools for manipulation in an abusive relationship. If an abuser threatens a person’s children, the victim may feel the need to keep this abuser happy for the sake of their kids.
This may lead to a victim of abuse staying in an abusive relationship for a longer period of time as they not only have to be concerned with their own safety, but also the safety of their children. Coordinating a safety plan or plans to leave this relationship may be more complicated when child care becomes a factor.
Abusers may also threaten to seek sole custody of children if the victim of abuse leaves. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported that fathers who abuse their partners, “…are twice as likely to seek sole custody of their children as non-abusive fathers.”
Children may be used as a tool to gain and maintain power and control over a person. If they threaten you kids, this is not normal–this is abuse.
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