Abuser Flip and Defense

How Victims Become Criminals and Psychiatric Labels

by Dr. Jeanne King, Ph.D.

“Her partner (or ex) had her arrested or has backed her into a psychiatric hospital against her will.” Sound familiar?

It is sickening. If I told you how many times I heard this story, you’d run at the thought of being in an abusive relationship.

Turning the Tables — Abuser Flip

Abusers are notorious for calling the police or even convincing the police upon arrival that the domestic violence in process was inspired by the abused. They can be calm and collected in their communications with police. Some will have convincing injuries for the “show and tell” part of turning the tables.

Domestic abuse victims are so shocked at this maneuver. They think to themselves, “How could he/she do this?”

They know in their hearts that they are, indeed, the battered and injured party, and they can’t fathom how they are positioned to be the abuser…much less why. From the hundreds of cases I have seen, what’s most clear is that this abuser flip is about discrediting the abused and silencing the abuse. Period.

The Lock Down — Lock Up