C
C
o
o
ER
ntr
cive
o
L
They check in on
where you are and who
you're with constantly.
You feel unsafe even when things are 'calm'.
You see two very different sides to your partner.
They decide what you can and cannot wear.
You walk on eggshells to keep the peace.
They withhold food, sleep and/or medicine.
You're spied on by cameras, your children or friends and family.
They monitor your phone and social media messages.
Feeling terrified about buying the wrong cereal.
A single look sends a pang of fear deep into your stomach.
They threaten to end their life if you were to leave.
They give you an allowance, even if you have a job.
They threaten to harm your children or pets.
You are constantly trying to figure out what you did wrong.
Coercive control is known to lead to murder. In fact, it's more likely to lead to murder than physical abuse alone.
Domestic and family violence homicide is the most predictable of all homicides.
'The Homicide Timeline' is a risk escalation model created by Dr. Jane Monckton Smith.
From the United Kingdom's 'Counting Dead Women' project, Dr. Monckton Smith pulled 372 cases of domestic homicide (all 372 women were killed by a male partner or ex-partner). Dr. Monckton Smith found a concerning pattern of events that played out in almost all of the relationships leading up to the homicides. Consequently, the timeline has eight stages that are alarmingly predictive of homicide in cases of domestic abuse. With each stage commencement the risk of harm and/or homicide increases significantly.
History
Such as previous relationships, interpersonal conflict and previous allegations.
commitment whirlwind
Such as love-bombing, declarations of love, possessiveness and jealousy.
control arises
The 'flip switches' and the relationship is dominated by power and control.
trigger
An event occurs which threatens the perpetrator's control e.g. the survivor leaves the relationship.
escalation
An increase in frequency or severity of control tactics due to change in circumstances.
change or decision
A clear change in thinking (e.g. heartbreak changes to a need for revenge) or a decision is made by the perpetrator to commit murder.
planning
This may look like obtaining weapons or planning a way to get close to the survivor.
murder
The ultimate act of violence and control is committed.
The Homicide Timeline
As seen in a recent and horrific Australian case
HISTORY
The PUV planned to kill his partner and child from his previous relationship.
COMMITMENT WHIRLWIND
The PUV sighted his partner at the gym and love-bombed her. They quickly developed a relationship.
CONTROL ARISES
The PUV controlled what his partner wore, who she saw and where she went.
TRIGGER
The PUV demanded access to his children amidst the separation.
ESCALATION
A DVO was served when the PUV abducted one of the children. Child abduction is a homicide predictor.
CHANGE OR DECISION
The PUV called the children the night before the murders crying. The family believe he was saying goodbye.
PLANNING
The PUV borrowed a car to avoid detection.
HOMICIDE
The PUV murdered his ex-partner and their children.
do you need support?
The Centre for Women & Co.
Men & Co. Services
centreforwomen.org.au 07 3050 3060
menandcoservices.org.au 07 3439 8640