Blame reversal (DARVO)

Definition

When confronted, the abuser Denies the behavior, Attacks the target's credibility or character, and Reverses Target and Offender blame so that the abuser becomes the injured party and the target is labeled the aggressor.

How it operates

Confrontation met with counter-accusation, offense-taking, and claims that the target is the true aggressor.

Function

Protect the abuser's image, preserve control, and silence disclosure.

Harm

Increased target self-blame, reduced survivor credibility in the eyes of observers, and heightened distress after attempts to set boundaries or seek help.

Why this is coercive control

Genuine expressions of feeling hurt that do not invert responsibility for the abusive pattern. The conduct here protects the abuser's image, preserves control, and silences disclosure.

Constructed example

“After everything I put up with from you, YOU'RE accusing ME? I should be the one recording these conversations," or "You always play the victim; you have a victim mentality.”

Fictitious. Written to illustrate the behavior. Not a case.