Violence Against Women: The Psychology of Control, Trauma Bonding, and How to Break Free

Sarah El Nabulsi opens by challenging the cultural framing of domestic violence as "family conflict gone out of control" — arguing instead that it is fundamentally about a desire for total control. She broadens the definition of violence beyond the physical to include verbal, psychological, emotional, sexual, reproductive, and financial abuse. She introduces the clinical concept of trauma bonding. On how to respond: physical abuse means leaving immediately; non-life-threatening situations call for building financial independence quietly. Her closing message: raise society's sensitivity to all forms of abuse, stop looking away, and stop blaming victims.