The Power & Control Diagram
Understanding the power and control wheel can help teens, young adults, and families recognize unhealthy relationship behaviors before they escalate. At Morgan’s Light, we use the power and control diagram as an educational tool to explain how abusive behaviors work together to create patterns of manipulation, intimidation, and domination in relationships.
This resource is commonly known as the domestic violence wheel and is widely used by advocates, educators, and prevention organizations to illustrate how abuse is not always physical. Emotional, psychological, financial, and digital behaviors can also be used to control a partner
What Is the Power & Control Wheel?
The power and control wheel is a visual power and control diagram that explains the many tactics an abusive partner may use to maintain control in a relationship.
Instead of relying only on physical violence, abusers often use multiple behaviors that reinforce each other, including:
- Emotional manipulation
- Isolation from friends or family
- Intimidation or threats
- Financial control
- Blame and gaslighting
- Monitoring phones or social media
- Using jealousy or possessiveness to justify control
Together, these behaviors form a pattern that creates fear, dependency, and loss of personal freedom.
Why the Domestic Violence Wheel Matters
The domestic violence wheel helps people identify warning signs that may otherwise be overlooked. Many abusive relationships begin with subtle behaviors that gradually escalate over time.
For teens and young adults especially, learning to recognize these patterns can help prevent long-term harm and encourage healthier relationship choices.
Morgan’s Light uses this educational tool during:
- Teen domestic violence prevention education programs
- School assemblies and community events
- Relationship safety workshops in Philadelphia
Download the Power & Control Wheel PDF
To help students, educators, and families better understand these patterns, Morgan’s Light provides access to a power and control wheel PDF that can be used for education, awareness, and prevention.
The power and control diagram illustrates the cycle of abuse and the various tactics used to maintain dominance in a relationship.
This downloadable power and control wheel pdf can be used by:
- Teachers and school counselors
- Youth organizations
- Parents and caregivers
- Community leaders
- Students learning about healthy relationships
Education & Prevention in Philadelphia
As a teen-focused domestic violence prevention organization, Morgan’s Light works to provide accessible education and Philadelphia domestic violence resources for young people and families.
Through workshops, events, and educational materials like the power and control wheel, we aim to help teens identify unhealthy relationship dynamics early and build safer communities.
Related Resources & Education
To learn more about domestic violence awareness and prevention, explore additional resources from Morgan’s Light:
- Resources for Domestic Violence Support in Philadelphia
- Teen Domestic Violence Prevention Events & School Programs
- About Morgan’s Light Mission & Community Work
These resources connect individuals with trusted resources for domestic violence, education programs, and support networks in the Philadelphia area.
Contact Morgan’s Light
If you have questions about the power and control wheel, relationship education programs, or domestic violence prevention resources, Morgan’s Light is here to help.
Morgan’s Light
📞 215-840-1219
Together, education and awareness can help break the cycle of abuse and empower young people to build healthy, respectful relationships.
