Understanding Coercive Control California Laws (FC 6320) + the Power and Control Wheel
Ruth Darlene, Founder and Executive Director of WomenSV (Women of Silicon Valley), discusses coercive control as it relates to the Power and Control Wheel and current California law.
Ruth Darlene, Founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, discusses coercive control as it relates to the Power and Control Wheel and current California law (as of the time of this video recorded in March 2024).
The Power and Control Wheel was developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, Minnesota to describe tactics that abusers use on their victims. In this video we discuss how it illustrates elements of coercive control that can be observed in abusive relationships.
Family Code 6320 in California includes coercive control within its definition of disturbing the peace. In California, coercive control is now grounds for a restraining order, which if violated can have criminal consequences for the perpetrator. In this video, Ruth Darlene discusses how FC 6320 recognizes and applies to survivors of coercive control.
Video timestamps:
00:00 The Power and Control Wheel
13:20 Federal definition of domestic violence
14:59 California definition of domestic violence
15:45 Family Code 6320
Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is intended for educational purposes only. WomenSV does not provide legal advice or recommendations.
Covert Abuse and Coercive Control Overview: Part 2
Ruth Darlene, Founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, presents a two-part overview of covert abuse and coercive control. This second video involves a deep dive into the minds of victims, survivors and perpetrators of covert abuse. Ruth explains the impact of covert abuse on survivors and the motives behind perpetrators' behavior. This discussion covers the pathway to freedom for survivors of abuse, from risk assessment to breaking the cycle and starting the healing process.
Ruth Darlene, Founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, presents a two-part overview of covert abuse and coercive control. This second video involves a deep dive into the minds of victims, survivors and perpetrators of covert abuse. Ruth explains the impact of covert abuse on survivors and the motives behind perpetrators' behavior. This discussion covers the pathway to freedom for survivors of abuse, from risk assessment to breaking the cycle and starting the healing process.
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Video timestamps:
0:00 Anyone can be a victim or perpetrator
1:21 What do abuse survivors / victims look like?
5:32 Lovebombing, grooming and manipulation silence intuition
7:13 Trauma has a dissociative effect
9:04 Physical DV breaks bones, covert abuse breaks minds
9:42 When is the right time to leave a covert abuser?
14:31 What does a covert abuser look like?
21:23 The Dark Tetrad
31:03 What motivates a covert abuser?
31:36 Covert threats
42:28 The abuser's M.O.
46:41 WEB Scale
54:27 Pathway to freedom
1:17:21 Mental health recovery after abuse
1:22:19 The importance of self-care
1:25:38 Breaking the cycle of abuse
1:34:29 Examples of self-care
1:46:51 Leaving your comfort zone
1:53:36 Thank you to our community partners
Covert Abuse and Coercive Control Overview: Part 1
Join Ruth Darlene, Founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, for an overview of covert abuse and coercive control. This video provides an introduction to subtle forms of domestic abuse, detailing the differences between overt coercive control and covert abuse.
Join Ruth Darlene, Founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, for an overview of covert abuse and coercive control. This video provides an introduction to subtle forms of domestic abuse, detailing the differences between overt coercive control and covert abuse. Ruth explains the cycle of violence as well as the power and control dynamics involved in coercive control. This discussion also addresses the slippery slope of how abusive relationships begin and escalate over time.
Video timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
2:20 What is domestic violence?
13:19 What is coercive control?
20:11 Overt coercive control
21:52 Covert abuse
29:07 Power and control
1:17:58 The cycle of violence
1:26:12 Abuse and the culture of affluence
1:33:57 The slippery slope of abusive relationships
Deep Dive Into Covert Abuse and Coercive Control for Christian Therapists: Part 2
Ruth Darlene, Founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, presents a training to help Christian therapists understand and support survivors of covert abuse and coercive control. In this second half of the two-part training, Ruth discusses the impact of domestic violence on children and adults, potential hazards of therapeutic intervention with a covert abuser, considerations for providing trauma-informed care to survivors, tips for helping survivors tell their story and resources for assessing situations involving domestic abuse.
Ruth Darlene, Founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, presents a training to help Christian therapists understand and support survivors of covert abuse and coercive control. In this second half of the two-part training, Ruth discusses the impact of domestic violence on children and adults, potential hazards of therapeutic intervention with a covert abuser, considerations for providing trauma-informed care to survivors, tips for helping survivors tell their story and resources for assessing situations involving domestic abuse.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is intended for educational purposes only. This training is presented as a trauma-informed informational resource to empower therapists with a deeper understanding of covert abuse and coercive control. Ruth Darlene is an advocate, not a therapist, and WomenSV does not offer or practice therapy.
Video timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
2:42 Impact of DV on children and adults
25:48 Hazards of therapeutic intervention with a covert abuser
43:46 Hazards of couples counseling
46:09 Trauma informed care of survivors
53:21 Helping survivors tell their story
58:38 Self-care
Deep Dive Into Covert Abuse and Coercive Control for Christian Therapists: Part 1
Ruth Darlene, Founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, presents a compassionate perspective that empowers Christian therapists to recognize and support survivors of covert abuse and coercive control. This training video covers the definition and characteristics of covert abuse and coercive control, with true stories to illustrate examples of real-life situations that therapists might encounter with their clients.
Ruth Darlene, Founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, presents a compassionate perspective that empowers Christian therapists to recognize and support survivors of covert abuse and coercive control. This training video covers the definition and characteristics of covert abuse and coercive control, with true stories to illustrate examples of real-life situations that therapists might encounter with their clients.
As you watch, you will gain a deeper understanding of both survivors and perpetrators of subtle forms of abuse. The discussion includes an overview of the Power and Control Wheel, the cycle of violence, lethality risks associated with coercive control, the slippery slope of how abusive relationships escalate over time, societal pressures that often silence survivors and the impacts of domestic violence.
We’ll dive into different types of coercive control, including overt coercive control, covert coercive control, covert abuse, verbal abuse, and various forms of emotional abuse such as gaslighting.
Stick around to the end to hear us talk about navigating the concept of being a good Christian wife while recognizing covert abuse and coercive control. Being a good, kind, loving Christian does not mean you have to tolerate abuse!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is intended for educational purposes only. This training is presented as a trauma-informed informational resource to empower therapists with a deeper understanding of covert abuse and coercive control. Ruth Darlene is an advocate, not a therapist, and WomenSV does not offer or practice therapy.
Video timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
5:23 IPV Statistics
7:19 The Equality Wheel
8:21 The Power and Control Wheel
9:43 The cycle of violence
12:57 Domestic violence definition
14:34 Family Code 6320
16:29 Coercive control definition
25:48 Overt coercive control - verbal
27:14 Overt coercive control - physical
28:53 Covert coercive control
32:54 Covert threats
38:09 Gaslighting
38:30 The slippery slope of abusive relationships
39:22 DV in affluent areas
40:05 Recognizing and understanding survivors / victims of DV
43:58 Impact of DV on survivors
48:36 Recognizing and understanding perpetrators of DV
53:11 Abuse is the opposite of love
54:34 Q+A
WomenSV: Serving survivors of covert domestic violence
Help support WomenSV by making a contribution to the LATC Holiday Fund! It is through the support of community partners such as the Holiday Fund that WomenSV is able to serve survivors of covert abuse and coercive control.
Help support WomenSV by making a contribution to the LATC Holiday Fund! It is through the support of community partners such as the Holiday Fund that WomenSV is able to serve survivors of covert abuse and coercive control. For more information and to make a donation, visit the article linked below!
From Trauma to Triumph: Executive Summary Workshop Presentation at the Domestic Violence Conference
Watch as Rachel McKenzie presents "From Trauma to Triumph: Executive Summary Workshop" at the County of Santa Clara's 30th Annual Domestic Violence Conference, on behalf of WomenSV.
Watch as Rachel McKenzie presents "From Trauma to Triumph: Executive Summary Workshop" at the County of Santa Clara's 30th Annual Domestic Violence Conference, on behalf of WomenSV.
Created by Ruth Darlene, founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, the Executive Summary Workshop is a powerful tool to assist domestic violence survivors in navigating the challenging journey of summarizing their experiences in a clear and concise manner, enabling effective communication with others.
For survivors, putting traumatic experiences into words can be a daunting task, yet it is a crucial step in seeking support. Recognizing this challenge, WomenSV developed a systematic approach to assist survivors in this process.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rachel McKenzie for leading this presentation, sharing valuable insights and offering unwavering support to domestic violence survivors. Together, we strive to empower survivors on their journey from trauma to triumph.
Join us in this important conversation, and together, let's make a difference in the lives of those who have endured and overcome domestic violence.
Sign up for our newsletter and view contact information to schedule a training here.
To donate and help support our mission, click here.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation: WomenSV and Sunnyvale City Council
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we're proud to share that Ruth Darlene, the founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, joined the City of Sunnyvale's Council meeting to raise awareness about this important month.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we're proud to share that Ruth Darlene, the founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, joined the City of Sunnyvale's Council meeting to raise awareness about this important month. WomenSV, short for Women of Silicon Valley, is a Bay Area nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering survivors, training service providers, and educating our community about the insidious cycle of covert abuse and coercive control in intimate partner relationships. Domestic violence knows no boundaries; it touches communities across the Bay Area and around the world. By shining a light on this critical issue, we stand together in solidarity with survivors and let them know they are never alone. 💜
Watch the recording on our YouTube channel!
WomenSV Empowers Survivors and Transforms Communities with Support from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
At WomenSV we are committed to constantly evolving in order to maximize the positive impact of our programs and services. It is with deep gratitude that we share the results of our efforts over the past year that have been made possible thanks to the support of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
At WomenSV we are committed to constantly evolving in order to maximize the positive impact of our programs and services. It is with deep gratitude that we share the results of our efforts over the past year that have been made possible thanks to the support of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Their generous grant of $250,000, spanning four years, has enabled our organization to expand the reach of our services for domestic violence survivors.
WomenSV's mission is to empower survivors, train providers, and educate the community to combat covert abuse and coercive control in intimate partner relationships. We envision a world where every woman and child can live in peace, safety and freedom in their own homes. Our unique focus on covert abuse and coercive control enables us to assist survivors ensnared in relationships with powerful and sophisticated abusers who employ subtle forms of abuse to control and manipulate their partners.
For over a decade, WomenSV has been at the forefront of this critical work, directly assisting over 1,400 women experiencing subtle and insidious forms of abuse. The disbursement of $62,500 for the second year of the grant’s four-year initiative has allowed us to make continued progress toward our goals.
WomenSV’s milestones accomplished over the past fiscal year include:
Community impact: WomenSV provided direct support to 165 survivors and conducted 999 client interactions, totaling over 1,641 hours of direct client services.
Support group expansion: The number of weekly support groups tripled, offering tailored programs for survivors at different stages of their journey to find freedom from abusive relationships.
Team expansion: The grant allowed WomenSV to hire a new Domestic Abuse Advocate and Volunteer Coordinator, increasing our capacity for services.
Enhanced support: Funding from the grant enabled us to employ a new Administrative Assistant and Social Media Coordinator, bolstering our capacity to reach and assist survivors.
Advocate mastery: Two key Advocates demonstrated mastery of WomenSV's body of knowledge on coercive control and covert abuse, offering direct support to survivors and taking on greater responsibilities in running day-to-day operations.
Program development: WomenSV introduced a new Executive Summary Workshop program, where Advocates help survivors of coercive control articulate their story and goals effectively.
Youth program: WomenSV initiated the development of a Young Adult and Youth Program to educate teens and young adults about early warning signs of coercive control.
Training and outreach: WomenSV provided 14 presentations and trainings to various organizations and providers, reaching over 1,200 individuals within the community and beyond.
WomenSV's annual survey of survivors, conducted in November 2022, measured the following impacts:
89% of survivors reported improved identification and handling of subtle forms of abuse.
85% felt more equipped to make informed choices regarding their safety.
89% were connected with vital resources and providers.
82% of survivors reported feeling more empowered.
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to continuously increasing our positive impact with a renewed focus on education. Our organization is currently growing its capacity for survivor support while building greater community awareness through specialized trauma-informed training programs for professionals working in technology, law enforcement, justice and healthcare systems.
Key priorities for the future include rapidly expanding our infrastructure and programs in close collaboration with our community to ensure our actions continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors. As we work toward making education on subtle forms of domestic abuse more accessible to all, we are also strengthening our defenses against online harassment in order to maintain a safe supportive environment while equipping survivors with vital information to help them thrive.
We are looking forward to the future and immensely grateful for the support of our community and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors which has enabled us to make significant strides in empowering survivors and educating our community on covert abuse and coercive control.
WomenSV at the 30th Annual Domestic Violence Conference
WomenSV is honored to announce that our Executive Director Ruth Darlene's proposal was accepted for presentation this year at the 30th Annual Domestic Violence Conference, "Thirty Years of Growth: Lessons Learned and Addressing Root Causes of Domestic Violence".
WomenSV is honored to announce that our Executive Director Ruth Darlene's proposal was accepted for presentation this year at the 30th Annual Domestic Violence Conference taking place on Friday October 13th from 8am to 4:30pm.
With the theme of "Thirty Years of Growth: Lessons Learned and Addressing Root Causes of Domestic Violence," this year's conference marks an opportunity to celebrate our journey, learn from our history, and work collaboratively to pave the way for a future free from domestic violence.
For registration information and conference details, visit the link below.
WomenSV's Ruth Darlene Patrick on Why Community Education is Important for Understanding Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control
Hear from WomenSV’s Ruth Darlene Patrick on why community education is important for understanding domestic abuse and coercive control in this article.
A primary objective of WomenSV is to raise public awareness and educate professional providers in legal, medical, and social services, as well as the broader community, about domestic violence so that it's harder for abusers to isolate their victims and make them suffer in silence.
Hear from WomenSV’s Ruth Darlene Patrick on why community education is important for understanding domestic abuse and coercive control in this article.
WomenSV’s Ruth Darlene Patrick on Recognizing the Signs of Coercive Control
Learn to recognize the signs of coercive control in this must-read for anyone learning about healthy relationships and breaking the cycle of abuse.
Learn to recognize the signs of coercive control in this must-read for anyone learning about healthy relationships and breaking the cycle of abuse.
From WomenSV’s Ruth Darlene Patrick on Recognizing the Signs of Coercive Control:
"Isolation, monitoring, intimidation, financial abuse, and gaslighting are just a few of the ways abusers maintain power and control over their partners. It's crucial to understand that coercive control is not a one-time event, but rather a pattern of behavior that escalates over time."
Read the rest in the article linked below and share this with your loved ones to help us create a safer world for all!