Threats
Threats control the victim through fear. The abuser may threaten to 'disappear' with the children, report his partner to Social Services as an unfit mother, harm a family member, refuse to support the household, leave or commit suicide. Ironically, the abuser becomes not only the source of abuse, but also the protector, since he is also the person who can prevent the threatened action.
Threats made within a violent relationship can be as intimidating as the violence itself. A victim who has already been battered has no doubt of the abuser's ability to carry out the threats. Even where the victim has not been physically assaulted, the abuser will often demonstrate his ability to harm her by punching walls or kicking the family pet.
