Debra Wingfield

Dr. Debra Wingfield is an author, trainer, and educator related to domestic abuse, coercive control, child abuse, and prevention in these areas. She offers training virtually and presents at conferences.

Beyond Physical Violence: What is Coercive Control?

Advocacy Training, Coercive Control Tactics, Domestic Violence, Family Court /

Many non-domestic violence professionals and the average person on the street consider domestic violence as strictly “physical violence”. Sometimes “emotional abuse” is acknowledged. Those experienced in intervention with domestic violence dynamics know there are many other tactics abusers use. Coercive Control with and without physical violence is becoming a more accepted term due to the comprehensive nature of domestic violence.

Beyond Physical Violence: What is Coercive Control? Read More »

Building Resilience in Children through the Holidays

Child Custody, Resilience, Safe Stable Nurtured Children /

Advocates talk with parents about the importance of building resilience skills in their children in relation to parenting time. Help children expand their horizons in positive, nurturing environments. Help children avoid toxic stress. Advocacy training for victims of domestic violence/abuse and coercive control includes custody and parenting time cases.

Building Resilience in Children through the Holidays Read More »

Abusers Dodge Criminal Charges

Child Custody Evaluations, Coercive Control Tactics, DV Virtual Training Center, Promote Safe Stable Nurturing Relationships, Virtual Treatment Training /

Impact of father’s abuse of mother results in toxic stress response by son. Father will not be held accountable for the criminal behavior he perpetrated during the marriage, post-separation, and most likely post-divorce. The son is being trained to be abusive and use coercion and control in his adult relationships. Who will eventually hold him accountable? Or, will he dodge criminal charges just like his father?

Abusers Dodge Criminal Charges Read More »

The Leopard Who Constantly Changes His Spots—Emotional Abuse

Batterer Intervetion Program training, Coercive Control Tactics, Domestic Violence Treatment Training, DV Virtual Training Center /

How do you explain to someone who has not experienced emotional abuse what happens in your relationship? This was the question one protective mother asked me after expressing her frustration that her attorney did not understand what she was saying when she told him she was emotionally abused in her relationship.

The Leopard Who Constantly Changes His Spots—Emotional Abuse Read More »

Eyes Wide Open: Help! with Control Freak Co-Parents Available

Co-Parents, Coercive Control Tactics, Family Relations Courts /

  Just published! Please share widely and beyond. Eyes Wide Open: Help! with Control Freak Co-Parents available here on Amazon. Even though you are divorced/separated from your children’s other parent, do you still feel controlled? Do you feel like your ex is still trying to control you through your children? Do you think of your

Eyes Wide Open: Help! with Control Freak Co-Parents Available Read More »