The Wheel of Abuse

The chart above is a way of looking at the behaviors abusers use to get and keep control in their relationships. Battering is a choice. It is used to gain power and control over another person. Physical abuse is only one part of a system of abusive behaviors.



Abuse is never a one time event.


This chart uses the wheel to show the relationship of physical abuse to other forms of abuse. Each part shows a way to control or gain power.