gaslighting

did you KNOW?

The term 'gaslight' originated from a 1938 stage play named 'Gas Light'. The wife, Paula, hears noises in the walls and sees the gas light dimming in the hallway each night. Her husband tells her she is going insane. It's eventually revealed that the husband wants to commit her to a psychiatric ward in order to steal her inheritance. The play made an impact on audiences and the term 'gaslight' was coined.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse. The person using violence (PUV) intentionally makes someone question their own memories, perception, judgement and sanity.

What is gaslighting?

The gaslighter (PUV) intentionally makes the victim-survivor doubt their own reality. The PUV intentionally plants seeds of doubt into the victim-survivor's mind leading them to distrust their own thoughts, feelings, memories and perceptions of everyday events.

Why is it so dangerous?

Eventually, the victim-survivor can no longer trust anything in their own head. This leaves them entirely dependent on the gaslighter's 'version' of events. The gaslighter can easily 'edit' real-life storylines to suit them whenever and however they want.

THINGS THE PERSON USING VIOLENCE MIGHT SAY TO GASLIGHT SOMEONE.

"Your memory isn't what it used to be."

"You're wrong, I would never say that."

"You always overreact."

"Stop being so sensitive."

"Your imagination is going wild again."

"I'm not listening to this nonsense."

"It's all in your head."

"Are you sure?"

THINGS A PERSON WHO IS CONSTANTLY GASLIT MIGHT SAY OFTEN TO AVOID CONFLICT.

"I'm sorry, I must be confused."

"I'll trust you from now on."

"I don't mean to be sensitive."

"I know you wouldn't lie to me."

"I can't trust myself anymore."

"I'm sorry for always messing up."

"I'm sorry for feeling this way."

"I don't know what to think anymore."

do you need support?

The Centre for Women & Co.

Men & Co. Services

centreforwomen.org.au 07 3050 3060

menandcoservices.org.au 07 3439 8640