The Devastating Effects of Gaslighting in the Family Court
Understanding Abuse, Manipulation, and the Silent Epidemic
Gaslighting, a term derived from the 1944 movie “Gaslight,” has now become a common word in our lexicon, especially when discussing manipulative relationships.
But few areas of society are as affected by this corrosive behavior as the family court, especially in cases involving abuse.
Gaslighting, at its core, is a form of psychological manipulation. Its purpose is to make a person doubt their own memories, perceptions, and even sanity.
By planting seeds of doubt, the gaslighter seeks to gain power and control over their victim.
In the confines of the family court, gaslighting becomes even more insidious.
It’s not just one partner trying to control another; it’s about shaping a narrative for the court to believe, altering perceptions and, in the process, undermining genuine claims of abuse.
Shifting the Blame
One of the most common tactics of the gaslighter in family court is to shift the blame. When allegations of abuse arise, the accused often portrays the accuser as the “real” aggressor.
