How Coercive Control Works Before Anyone Sees It with Ruth Darlene of WomenSV

Ruth Darlene of WomenSV joined Dr. Sandi M.Ed., Ph.D. on the Title IX Insider Podcast for an important conversation about coercive control, covert abuse, survivor safety, prevention education, and the warning signs people often miss. Ruth explains why coercive control must be understood as a pattern, not a single incident. She also discusses how survivors may be made to doubt themselves, why subtle forms of abuse can be difficult to document, and how education can help people recognize danger before it escalates.

Video timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:28 Meet Ruth Darlene and WomenSV

04:12 What Is Coercive Control?

10:39 What Makes Women Targets

14:27 Behind the Scenes of Coercive Control

23:37 WomenSV Prevention Education, Resources, the Webb Scale, and Danger Assessment

32:39 How Should We Educate People About Coercive Control?

43:52 Final Thoughts