Duluth Power & Control Wheel
Tactics of power and control
The Power and Control Wheel was developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, Minnesota (1984). It maps the non-physical tactics used to gain power and control in a relationship: intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, minimizing/denying/blaming, using children, economic abuse, asserting privilege and coercion or threats. ScanMyLove flags the textual markers of these tactics. This is an awareness tool, not a diagnosis; if you are in danger, contact local emergency or domestic-violence services.
What ScanMyLove measures:
Coercive-control tactics, isolation, blame-shifting.
Understanding the model
The Power and Control Wheel was developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, Minnesota (1984). It maps the non-physical tactics used to gain power and control: intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, minimizing/denying/blaming, using children, economic abuse, asserting privilege, and coercion or threats.
Examples of power-and-control tactics
| Tactic | Example in messages |
|---|---|
| Intimidation | Threatening tone, scaring with consequences |
| Emotional abuse | Put-downs, name-calling, humiliation |
| Isolation | Controlling who you see and where you go |
| Minimizing / blaming | "You made me do it", denying it happened |
| Economic abuse | Controlling money, access, spending |
| Coercion & threats | Threats to leave, harm, or expose |
How ScanMyLove applies it
ScanMyLove flags the textual markers of these tactics — controlling demands, isolation from friends and family, blame-shifting, threats — and shows where they cluster.
What the report reveals
A report can surface a pattern of isolation ("why do you need to see them?") combined with blame-shifting and minimizing — tactics that are easy to overlook one message at a time.
Frequently asked questions
Is coercive control abuse even without violence?
Yes. The Duluth model specifically describes non-physical tactics. In several jurisdictions coercive control is recognized as abuse in its own right.
Does ScanMyLove judge my partner?
No. It flags textual markers of recognized tactics as an awareness tool. Interpretation and any action are yours.
I recognize these tactics — what now?
Consider talking to a professional or a domestic-violence service. If you feel unsafe, contact local emergency services. ScanMyLove is not a substitute for that support.
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