What is the Power and Control Wheel?

• A. A diagram illustrating tactics of coercive control; used to educate clients, validate experiences, and guide safety planning
• B. A chart of punishment schedules
• C. A list of resources
• D. A legal document for orders

Answer: (C)

The Power and Control Wheel is a visual diagram that maps the tactics someone uses to exert power and control in an intimate partner relationship. It helps explain abuse as a pattern of coercive behavior rather than isolated incidents. By laying out these tactics in a connected way, the wheel validates survivors’ experiences and shows that what they’ve endured fits a recognizable dynamic. It also guides safety planning by helping clinicians and clients identify common coercive strategies to watch for, discuss how to respond, and connect with appropriate resources. It’s not about punishment schedules, nor a general list of resources, nor a legal document.