Practice Reflections — Articles

GASLIGHTING AS COERCIVE CONTROL: WHAT PRACTITIONERS NEED TO KNOW

This post situates gaslighting within DFV as a patterned tactic of coercive control that undermines self-trust, isolates victim-survivors, and reshapes what feels “real” over time. It outlines how victim-survivors describe these dynamics, why social power and systemic disbelief can amplify harm, and what it can look like in practice when someone presents with uncertainty rather than “clear” disclosures. It also offers grounded considerations for responding in ways that support safety, dignity, and agency without getting pulled into debates about details.

GROUNDING IN DFV PRACTICE: A SIMPLE SKILL THAT SUPPORTS SAFETY, REGULATION AND CHOICE

Grounding is a practical, trauma- and violence-informed skill that can support victim-survivors to remain present, engaged, and able to make choices during moments of overwhelm. This post explores what grounding is, why it matters in DFV contexts, and how it can be used ethically within everyday practice without replacing safety, risk, or advocacy work. It situates grounding as a supportive response rather than a therapeutic intervention.

WORKING WITH CLIENTS THROUGH CHOICE: STRENGTHENING EMPOWERMENT IN DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE PRACTICE

This post explores what choice-centred practice can look like in domestic and family violence work, and why meaningful options matter in contexts shaped by coercive control, trauma responses, and system pressure. It considers how choice can narrow unintentionally through workload, risk aversion, or limited service environments, and how transparency and collaboration can help practitioners hold both safety and agency in view.

EMBEDDING TRAUMA-INFORMED PRACTICE INTO DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE WORK

This post considers what it means to embed trauma-informed practice into everyday DFV work, particularly in high-pressure settings where safety, time, and system constraints shape what is possible. It outlines core frameworks and principles, and translates them into practical, interaction-level shifts that reduce re-traumatisation and support dignity, choice, and trust. It also introduces a practice resource developed for crisis accommodation contexts and adaptable across DFV roles.