gaslighting

Gaslighting has become the modern-day abuser’s go-to control tactic. It’s so understated that you find yourself thinking that perhaps you are in the wrong – despite all the evidence to the contrary. In fact, it’s a tactic often used by cult leaders and dictators to make their supporters blindly follow their every command.

The word ‘gaslighting’ comes from the 1938 stage play () and subsequent 1944 film, , in which a husband manipulates his new wife (Ingrid Bergman) into thinking she’s gone insane. For a more contemporary version, watch (or read the book, for that matter!) Rachel has a drinking problem and is prone to blackouts. And when she comes to, her husband, Tom (now her ex), would tell her about all the horrible, violent things she did while she was drunk. Spoiler: she’s actually not like that at all. Tom has been gaslighting her