You may be the victim of the deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender (DARVO) abuse tactic without even realizing it. With a clear understanding of DARVO, you may be able to build a case that shows someone abused you. Also, you may be able to work with an Okemos personal injury lawyer who can help you hold your abuser accountable for their actions.
At White Law PLLC, we do everything we can to fight for our clients. If you are the victim of abuse, our compassionate legal team may be able to help you seek damages from any at-fault parties.
DARVO Definition
According to research, DARVO refers to a response in which an abuser deflects blame and responsibility for their actions. A perpetrator may use this tactic to claim they did not commit any wrongdoing. They may also try to argue that they are the victim of abuse.
In a study released in 2022, researchers looked at the experiences of 89 women who were sexually assaulted at college. They found nearly half of the participants were subject to DARVO. These women dealt with the tactic when they made contact with the person who abused them.
The legal team at White Law PLLC understands the legal challenges associated with abuse cases. We can work with you to craft an argument that shows you may have been the victim of DARVO and other abuse tactics. For more information, contact us today.
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What DARVO Looks Like
There are many signs of DARVO that indicate a person may be the victim of abuse. These signs may be difficult to identify, but knowing what to look for may help an individual determine if they are being abused. Here are things to watch for that may show how a narcissist uses DARVO to avoid accountability:
Denial
Someone may vehemently deny doing something wrong. They may also minimize a victim’s feelings. To do this, they may claim things like what they are doing is “not a big deal” or that the victim is “making too much of this.”
Attack
Following a denial, a perpetrator may go into attack mode. They may question the victim’s behaviors, making this individual doubt if they were actually wronged. As part of their efforts, the abuser may use threats, insults, gaslighting, or manipulation to discredit the victim.
Reverse Victim and Offender
At this point, the offender switches roles with the victim. They may claim they were unfairly accused of committing an abusive act and say the victim is doing so to hide their own bad behaviors. This allows the perpetrator to appear blameless, put themselves in a positive light, and cause the victim to suffer additional emotional and mental pain.
A narcissist may use this tactic to justify their own behaviors in spite of the fact that they are harming another person. If they use the tactic successfully, they may shift attention from their own poor actions and make it seem like they are the victim. This may help the individual preserve their own self-image by hurting someone else.
DARVO Impact
In a study published in Taylor & Francis Online, researchers conducted two experiments to analyze the impact of DARVO on perpetrators and victims. The first experiment involved 316 university students who were exposed to the tactic. In the second experiment, researchers looked at 360 university students and whether learning about DARVO could help mitigate its effects on the perceptions of perpetrators and victims.
The first experiment revealed participants exposed to DARVO saw victims as less believable and more responsible for the violence and perpetrators as less abusive and less responsible. In the second experiment, researchers found that DARVO-educated participants saw victims as less abusive and more believable and perpetrators as less believable. These experiments show that education is key, since those who understand the tactic and its ramifications may be more inclined than ever before to understand and support the victim’s point of view over the perpetrator’s.
In addition to these experiments, a BMC Women’s Health study was released based on 23 sexual assault victims whom police did not believe. The study focused on how not being believed by police impacted the victims’ health and well-being. It showed these victims were increasingly prone to a loss of self, lost trust, and other negative health outcomes that often led them to take drugs or alcohol as a coping strategy.
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How to Protect Against DARVO
Learning about the deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender tactic and teaching others about it is a great starting point to protect against this harmful tactic. If you may be the victim of DARVO, help is available. Here are things you can do to safeguard yourself against DARVO and other abuse tactics:
- Recognize the pattern. If you notice someone using DARVO, you may be able to address the problem before it negatively affects your health and well-being long into the future.
- Advocate for yourself. Call out someone who is abusive by naming what is happening and telling what you will allow and what you will not allow.
- Find support. Connect with family members and friends to discuss the challenges you are facing.
- Document the abuse. Track the dates, times, and other relevant information relating to any incidents of abuse.
- Seek professional help. Consult with a mental health professional, as they may help you discover ways to cope with and heal from abuse.
If you are dealing with abuse, you do not have to accept blame and responsibility for your experiences. You may be the victim of a cycle of manipulative behaviors and may need support so you can recover physically, emotionally, and mentally. By facing the reality of your situation and working with an attorney who has helped clients achieve outstanding case results, you may be well-equipped to find ways to end the abuse.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Do Not Wait Any Longer to Deal with DARVO
At White Law PLLC, we do not tolerate abuse in any form. Our legal team can teach you about DARVO and other abuse tactics and help you pursue damages from anyone who has harmed you. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today.
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