The discard phase is the third stage of the narcissistic abuse cycle. Learn what it is, why it hurts so much, and how to recover.
DARVO
DARVO illustrated by Manya Wakefield. ©2023, All rights reserved.
DARVO stands for Deny, Attack, Reverse, Victim, and Offender. It is an acronym for psychological manipulation tactic that was first coined by Jennifer J. Freyd, Ph.D. Dr. Freyd is a professor of psychology at the University of Oregon and the founder of the Center for Institutional Courage.
This section features articles and podcasts that discuss DARVO, a victim-blaming tactic manipulators use to avoid being held to account for their behavior. Here, readers will find a wealth of information, including a precise definition of the concept, how it is used and real world example of DARVO.
Examination of the psycho-social wounds caused by DARVO campaigns and their long-term consequences are also highlighted. As well as how bystanders are groomed into passive silence or active participation in the scapegoating process.
Further Reading
- How Narcissists Use DARVO To Escape Accountability
- DARVO in Marriage and Relationships
- DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse, Victim and Offender
- What is DARVO in Narcissistic Relationships?
- From Denial to Gaslighting: Decoding DARVO in Dysfunctional Relationships
- What Is Blame-Shifting And Why Is It Harmful?
- The Cycle of Narcissistic Abuse
- The Complete Guide to Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
- The Global Coercive Control Legislation Index
- The Global Femicide Legislation Index
Mortal discard names the category of terminal patterns in coercive control — social, extraction, induced-suicidality, and homicide.
Deflection is how narcissists avoid accountability. Learn the tactics, how it differs from DARVO and bait and switch, and how to protect yourself.
A fauxpology sounds like an apology but contains no accountability. Learn to recognize it, decode it, and respond — without accepting what was never offered.
The story behind the Global Coercive Control Legislation Index, why I built it, and how you can help me continue this work.
Parental alienation, counter-parenting, children in coercive control — a complete resource hub for targeted parents, with Dr. Michael Kinsey.
How narcissist smear campaigns work, why they’re so destabilizing, and what actually protects you. By a coercive trauma specialist.
Lawfare is the use of courts as a post-separation abuse weapon. Featuring with expert legal insight and peer-reviewed research.
Narcissistic abuse is a subtype of coercive control. Learn about the connection, current legal landscape, and safety planning.
Six early red flags of narcissism in relationships — and why they’re so hard to see in the moment. A guide from a coercive trauma specialist.