"Coercive control is an ongoing pattern of behavior where one person tries to dominate, isolate, or intimidate their partner. This concept goes beyond a single argument, instead describing a sustained campaign to restrict a person’s freedom and independence. Most public awareness campaigns and previous scientific studies have focused heavily on women experiencing this type of abuse from men in heterosexual relationships."

  
"A recent study published in *Sex Roles* suggests that the general public often underestimates the dangers of controlling relationship behaviors when the victims are men. The research provides evidence that people tend to take emotional and psychological abuse more seriously when it is directed at women"

  
"Consequently, public health messages should be designed to communicate that anyone can be victim of coercive control regardless of gender and sexual orientation."

  
see also here for the original scientific article where the study was described: it is open access: [Attitudes of U.S. Adults Towards Coercive Control as a Function of Victim and Perpetrator Gender and Respondent Sexual Orientation | Sex Roles | Springer Nature Link](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-025-01616-z) 

People view coercive control in relationships as less harmful when the victim is a man