This work examines psychological manipulation and coercive control. The word MIND dominates the surface, while a small pinned tag transforms its meaning entirely. The imbalance reflects how a single person, threat, or act of manipulation can occupy disproportionate space within another's thoughts. Painted on Damask silk references the domestic and intimate settings in which abuse often occurs, hidden beneath appearances of normalcy. The work is not about a single insult, but about the deliberate disruption of perception, confidence, and autonomy—the attempt to occupy and control another person's inner world.
“Psychological abuse involves trauma to the victim caused by verbal abuse, acts, threats of acts, or coercive tactics. Perpetrators use psychological abuse to control, terrorize, and denigrate their victims. It frequently occurs prior to or concurrently with physical or sexual abuse.”
Why domestic violence victims don’t leave
8 Dangerous Myths About Narcissistic Abuse
"Defined by emotional volatility, a lack of empathy, and delusions of superiority and entitlement, Narcissistic Personality Disorder is linked with interpersonal exploitation, rage, and aggression, most often directed at family members. Making matters worse, narcissists compulsively deny their behavior and project it onto the people they hurt, and they frequently cultivate a likable or even do-gooder public persona that belies their ongoing abuses behind closed doors."
"MYTH: Adults can just leave the situation. Leaving an abuser, especially a highly manipulative and vengeful narcissist, is rarely easy to do. Partners of narcissists, particularly women, are frequently isolated from friends and family, drained of financial resources, and bullied into compliance with threats of assault, withdrawal of support, loss of child custody, and homelessness. Often they are victims of childhood trauma, with vulnerability to abuse cycles."
If you or someone you care about is experiencing narcissistic abuse, there is help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline recognizes narcissistic abuse and trauma and is available 24/7 in more than 200 languages. Call 1-800-799-7233 to talk with an advocate. Or log onto The Hotline or text LOVEIS to 22522.