Does your abuser call you controlling? You are not alone. Many emotional abuse and betrayal victims are labeled as “controlling” by their abusers and the abuser’s enablers.
Why Does My Abuser Say I’m Controlling?
Abusers shift blame to victims by saying that they are controlling.
This takes the focus off of the abuser, and makes it seem like the victim is the real problem in the relationship.
But What If I’m Actually Controlling?
Safety-seeking behaviors are often mislabeled as “controlling”. Betrayed women do not feel safe. Safety is the foundation for health and happiness, so women will do everything they can to seek safety.
For some women, this means monitoring their partner’s communication, activities, and behaviors. This is completely understandable, because when a man has cheated on his partner or otherwise abused her, he isn’t trustworthy anymore. Victims feel like they have to rely on their own actions to be sure of the truth.
Do Safety-Seeking Behaviors Work?
While safety-seeking behaviors, like checking your partner’s phone or monitoring his location, may seem to bring a degree of peace of mind, these behaviors are not going to provide long-term safety.
In a relationship, trust is what brings safety and you cannot trust someone who repeatedly lies to you.
Instead, women can set safety boundaries.
What Are Safety Boundaries?
Safety boundaries are courageous actions that women take to separate themselves from abuse. Rather than monitoring partners to determine who they need to react, women can get to a state of safety and peace by setting boundaries.
Listen to Anne explain how to set safety boundaries correctly in today’s podcast.
BTR Supports Betrayal & Abuse Victims
At BTR, we understand how infuriating it is to be called “controlling” by an abusive partner. We also know how confusing it can be to wonder if you are actually a controlling person.
Empowerment through knowledge and consistent support are key to finding the peace that you deserve. Our BTR.ORG Group Sessions provide the support that you need as you begin your journey to healing.
Please my husband of 13 years has always been abusive but lately he’s mad because he says I’m controlling. HELP
Have you considered Center For Peace? It’s the only men’s program we recommend. You’re not controlling – that’s what he says to gaslight you into complying:). We love you! Welcome!
My husband of 23 years has constantly abused me verbally and emotionally and now that I’m standing up for myself he calls me controlling but he still is the one being cruel and doing detrimental things to our marriage like constant lying cheating hiding drug use. This is awful. It is so heartbreaking and I wish I knew how to stop loving him and just be able to cut myself free of his unchanging abusive behaviors.
My husband is saying that if I get to monitor his phone and computer then I can’t have any private phone calls and have to tell him everything I talk about. Not sure how to respond.
Rather than monitoring his phone and computer have you considered interacting with the abuser strategically?