One third of American women report that at some time in their lives they were involved in abusive controlling and often violent relationships. Entertainer Tina Turner and Nicole Brown Simpson were just two well-known examples. Why don’t the victims of abusive partners leave? What draws them into and holds them much like prisoners within destructive and potentially unsafe relationships?

Abusive controlling relationships can be seen as a cult composed of only two people, the controlling partner and the victim. The same methods used by destructive cults such as isolation and learned dependency are very often used by abusers in relationships to manipulate, control and contain their victims. Building upon the knowledge and research we already have about the coercive persuasion methods used by destructive cults to gain undue influence we can better understand the dynamics of most abusive controlling relationships.

The goal of this site is to provide meaningful research and information through related articles, books and links which will enable people to better understand and cope with abusive controlling relationships. In particular the DVD In the Name of Love: Abusive Controlling Relationships is an effective tool that can assist anyone affected by such a serious situation. By providing educational information and resources online we hope to help many people better understand this issue from a relatively new perspective. – Rick Alan Ross, Executive Director of the Cult Education Institute

The DVD, In the Name of Love: Abusive Controlling Relationships, offers a highly condensed, easily understood overview of the issue including understanding the manipulation and mindset, coping strategies and the intervention option.

Review — “This DVD should be seen by every person entering the dating scene. A superb account of the manipulation, control aspects and red flags of an abuser’s behavior that will enable everyone to spot these predators. This DVD is a magnificent breakthrough–a must-have for every classroom, women’s shelter, and abuse websites everywhere.” Darla Boughton, Manager Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Psychopath forums at MSN