Ep 105 – Christine Cocchiola

By / October 5, 2024
 
 
 

Coercive Control: The Umbrella of All Abuse with Dr. Christine Cocchiola
Episode 105

Topic: Coercive Control and Its Impact on Women and Children

Host: Beverly Price, Divorce & Empowerment Coach
Guest: Dr. Christine Cocchiola, Coercive Control Advocate, Educator, Researcher, and Founder of Survivor Coercive Control Consulting, LLC

Summary:
Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse that exerts power and control over victims, leaving deep and lasting scars, particularly on women and children who are the most vulnerable. This insidious pattern of behavior involves manipulation, isolation, intimidation, and surveillance, where abusers seek to dominate every aspect of their victims’ lives. For women, this often results in a significant erosion of self-esteem and independence, trapping them in a cycle of fear and dependency. Children who experience or witness coercive control in their homes can suffer from emotional trauma that adversely affects their well-being and development.

In this episode of Her Empowered Divorce, host Beverly Price speaks with Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, a Coercive Control Advocate and Educator. Together, they delve into the nature of coercive control, its real-life manifestations, and its profound impact on women and children.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding Coercive Control: Coercive control represents harm inflicted on humanity, primarily targeting the most vulnerable—women and children.
  • Manifestations of Coercive Control: This abuse encompasses various forms, including psychological, legal, financial, sexual abuse, and the manipulation of children.
  • Recognizing Abuser Traits: Look for warning signs such as excessive monitoring, emotional manipulation, lack of genuine relationships, and disapproval of friends.
  • Maintaining Awareness: Whether staying or leaving an abusive partner, it’s crucial to keep a “clarity list” to remind yourself of the abusive patterns, helping you validate your feelings.

Notable Quotes:

  • “Just like all of us fall into line very quickly when we think someone has power over us, people in intimate relationships also fall into line and follow what they are expected to do.” (Marie)
  • “The number one indicator of being in a relationship that is ‘Coercive controlling’ is when someone uses your vulnerability against you.” (Marie)
  • “All domestic abuse is Coercive Control; however, when someone exerts power and control physically, this is the most violent and deadly form because when you leave, the person can see it as abandonment, and they have to get revenge.” (Marie)
  • “Victims and survivors are the strongest people there are.” (Marie)
  • “If someone is trying to exert power and control over you, they are not healthy, and if they are doing that to you, they are most certainly doing it to your children.” (Marie)
  • “We all need to heal, and we need a trauma-informed therapist to support us, but if they are not informed about Coercive Control, they can diminish victims’ experiences, which is problematic, especially for children.” (Marie)

About Our Guest:
Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW, is a college professor with over 20 years of experience in teaching social work. A dedicated social justice advocate since the age of 19, she has volunteered for domestic violence and sexual assault agencies. Dr. Cocchiola is a Founding Member of the International Coercive Control Conference and a Board Member of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where she actively supports efforts to codify coercive control in policy.

With her clinical expertise as a trauma-trained therapist and as a protective mother, Dr. Cocchiola understands the impact of coercive control on children. She has developed educational programming for protective parents, including The Protective Parenting Program, which supports those with children experiencing coercive control. Additionally, she provides training for attorneys, court professionals, and allies to better support these vulnerable populations.

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About Your Host:
Beverly Price is an empowering divorce coach dedicated to guiding women through their journeys before, during, and after divorce. She helps them eliminate pain, overwhelm, sadness, and anger while fostering knowledge, skills, and peace that she has personally experienced.

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