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.

What is coercive control and how does covert abuse isolate survivors? Ruth Darlene, Founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, explains how coercive control traps survivors in isolation through subtle manipulation, intimidation and psychological abuse that often hides in plain sight.