Isolation reduces the opportunity of the abused to be rescued or escape from the abuse. It also helps disorient the abused and makes the abused more dependent on the abuser. The degree of power and control over the abused is contingent upon the degree of their physical or emotional isolation.[11][12]
Isolation of the victim from the outside world is an important element of psychological control.[13] Isolation includes controlling a person's social activity: whom they see, whom they talk to, where they go and any other method to limit their access to others. It may also include limiting what material they can read or watch.[14] It can also include insisting on knowing where they are and requiring permission for medical care. The abuser exhibits hypersensitive and reactive jealousy.[13]
Isolation can be aided by:
economic abuse thus limiting the victim's actions as they may then lack the necessary resources to resist or escape from the abuse[15]
smearing or discrediting the abused amongst their community so the abused does not get help or support from others[16][17]
Isolation is a common element of workplace bullying. It includes preventing access to opportunities, physical or social isolation, withholding necessary information, keeping the target "out of the loop", ignoring or excluding.[1][2]
Workplace isolation is a defined category in the workplace power and control wheel.[21]
References
^ abRayner C, Hoel H, Cooper CL Workplace Bullying: What we know, who is to blame and what can we do? (2001)
^ abPeyton PR Dignity at Work: Eliminate Bullying and Create a Positive Working Environment (2003)
^Perspectives on Verbal and Psychological Abuse, ed. Dr. Roland Maiuro, PhD, pub. 1989
^Elliott GC, Cunningham SM, Linder M, Colangelo M, Gross M (2005). "Child physical abuse and self-perceived social isolation among adolescents". Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 20 (12): 1663–84. doi:10.1177/0886260505281439. PMID16246923. S2CID27544550.
