DARVO stands for Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender, and it can be a powerful tool for abusers to deflect blame, avoid accountability, and control the narrative. Here's a breakdown of each step:
DENY: The first step involves the perpetrator denying any wrongdoing or abusive behavior. They may completely reject the accusations made against them, even in the face of strong evidence.
ATTACK: After denying the allegations, the abuser often proceeds to attack the accuser or the person confronting them. This attack can take various forms, such as verbal abuse, character assassination, or shifting blame onto the victim. By attacking the accuser, the abuser attempts to divert attention away from their actions.
REVERSE VICTIM AND OFFENDER: In this step, the abuser reverses the roles of victim and offender. They may claim that they are the real victim in the situation, portraying themselves as unfairly targeted or harmed by the accuser's actions. This manipulation tactic can be particularly effective in making the victim feel guilty or responsible for the conflict.
The ultimate goal of DARVO is to manipulate the situation in such a way that the accuser feels confused, discredited, and unable to hold the abuser accountable. It can be challenging for victims to confront this tactic, as it can leave them feeling isolated and doubting their own perceptions of reality.
You are not alone.
We can help, give us a call.