DARVO – A Vital Tool
When I published my first book, What Type of Man?, I dedicated a chapter to “Five Ways To Recover and Heal” and introduced the term DARVO (Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender). A term coined by Jennifer Freyd in the 90s. I knew it was a vital tool for women to identify psychological manipulation. But I never expected to be teaching it to a criminal defence lawyer based in Madrid, who was representing me as the accused in a criminal defamation investigation in Spain.
Weaponisation Of Legal Systems
Strategic litigation is the new frontier of post-separation abuse. I’ve seen firsthand how the legal system can be weaponised through:
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DARVO: Where the true aggressor plays the victim to deflect accountability.
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SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation): Used to silence survivors who dare to speak their truth.
Expert By Experience
In my own case, understanding these concepts wasn’t just “research”, it was my defence. After facing seven unfounded criminal allegations from an individual who, ironically, was the first to buy my book, I saw all charges dismissed. Why? Because I had the vocabulary to name the tactic.
Knowledge is your best defence. Whether you are navigating the courts or supporting someone who is, understanding the intersection of litigation abuse and psychological warfare is essential. We must bridge the gap between social science and the judicial system.
📖 Learn the tactics. Protect your peace. Read the full story in “What Type of Man?” 🔗
The Ugly Truth.
If you enjoyed this article, you might like to read, The Ugly Truth: Why Betrayal, Lying and Cgeating are Actually Emotional Abuse.
Non-Profit Project
LifeChangePlans was created in October 2020 by a survivor of emotional, psychological and economic abuse. This is a non-profit project seeking to register as a CIC with the aims to support women with advocacy, emotional well-being, healing our trauma and overcoming economic challenges. (Participant in Amazon Associates) All commissions help towards the setup.
About the Author: After surviving an 11-year “manipulationship” and years of legal and economic abuse, I chose to break the silence. At nearly 65, I am rebuilding my life and sharing the truth of post-separation abuse to ensure other women don’t have to walk this path alone. What Type of Man? is my journey from targeted survivor to published author.
Order your copy here: all royalties help towards the non-profit setup.
