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Bruising and broken bones are hallmark signs of intimate partner violence (IPV) and can often be accompanied by forms of mental and psychological abuse. Perpetrators use coercion, humiliation, and other less visible forms of abuse to control their victims.
Headlines about power imbalances and abusive relationships have dominated recent news, often related to the highly publicized trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs and the participation of his former partner Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura as a witness. Combs is not charged with domestic violence, but the trial has revived discussions of the role of power imbalance in interpersonal relationships.
Teen dating violence expert and assistant professor in the Department of Social Work Daphne King explains the inextricable relationship between power and IPV, and why unequal power dynamics can lead to partner abuse.
What is a "power imbalance" in the context of IPV and interpersonal relationships?
Power imbalance in teen dating violence (TDV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) is where one partner has more control or influence in the relationship (usually the abuser/perpetrator) and can use something their partner wants or needs to control them or prevent them from leaving the relationship.
For teens, this power imbalance shows up in the perpetrator possibly being more popular or having more social capital and using that influence to control their partner.
For adults, this power imbalance could show up related to gaps in age and/or income where the perpetrator could exert control, so their partner has to depend on them for their basic needs being met.
What are the warning signs that a power imbalance is present in an interpersonal relationship?
In an abusive relationship, power and control aren’t just red flags—they are the foundation.
Warning signs include controlling behavior, especially early in the relationship. The first and most visible sign is isolation from family and friends. If someone is trying to keep you from spending time with your family or friends or constantly calls or texts you when you are spending time with others, that is a red flag and is an indication of the beginning of a TDV or IPV relationship.
When any of these red flags are first noticed, it is time to make a decision about continuing in that relationship. Once it goes past this first red flag, seeking the help of domestic violence hotlines or shelters would be appropriate.
What IPV and TDV signs can someone look for in their friend or loved one’s relationship?
The Domestic Abuse Intervention Project developed the Power and Control Wheel, a resource that depicts how abusers intentionally control or dominate their intimate partner. It shows the more subtle forms of control in the inner circle and the more severe and visible ones on the outer ring of the circle.
Power and control are at the core of the circle when describing abusive behaviors or tactics that are used against victims of IPV.
King has previously shared warning signs of TDV and IPV, advice for how an individual may extricate themselves from IPV, as well as how family and loved ones can provide support in previous tipsheets:
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MEDIA INQUIRIES: For reporters who wish to speak to Daphne King about teen dating violence, please contact media contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.
Daphne King is an assistant professor and Master of Social Work online program director in the Social Work Department of George Mason University’s College of Public Health. King’s research interests are self-esteem issues in teens and adolescents, mental health concerns, and treatment modalities for women of color, specifically African American women, and the impact of engagement in Christianity or spiritual practices has on self-esteem. King is an expert in treating teens and adolescents with self-esteem issues and depression and has facilitated numerous clinical and psychoeducational groups on self-esteem issues for teens.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.
About College of Public Health at George Mason University
The College of Public Health at George Mason University is the first College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The college is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The college offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The college’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan.