If you’re concerned about a young person under the influence of psychological manipulation (PM) and coercive control (CC), this toolkit is designed to help you recognize the signs, understand the stages of involvement, and support them with practical, empathetic steps. Whether you're a parent, mentor, or friend, this guide equips you with tools to connect, intervene safely, and empower youth toward recovery and resilience.
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This toolkit can help those trying to support youth in cults, MLMs, high-control groups, hate and conspiracy groups, intimate partner controlling relationships and sex trafficking.
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Section Guide
Section 1 - Defining Psychological Manipulation and Coercive Control (PM and CC): Learn the basics of PM and CC, understanding how these forms of control operate, especially in youth-targeted environments.
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Section 2 - Identifying Common Signs of Manipulation in Youth: Discover the behavioural, emotional, and social signs that may indicate a young person is under manipulative influence.
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Section 3 - Stages of Involvement and Influence: Understand how youth may progress through stages of involvement in manipulative situations, helping you better assess their level of engagement
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Section 4 - Reasons for Exit: Understand various reasons for exit from a manipulative group, relationship or situation.
Section 5 - Pathways to Recruitment: Explore the various ways young people are recruited into manipulative groups or relationships and the red flags to watch for.
Section 6 - Empathy and Understanding Motivations for Youth Involvement: Gain insight into the unique motivations that may attract youth to these groups or relationships, helping to foster empathy and build supportive approaches.
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Section 7 - Creating a Realistic Support Plan: Develop a support plan tailored to your needs and goals, helping you engage in ways that respect the young person’s autonomy while addressing their vulnerabilities.
Section 8 - Boundaries and Self-Care for Supporters: Guidance on maintaining your own well-being and setting healthy boundaries while supporting a young person through manipulative challenges.
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Section 9 - Building Trust and Open Communication with Youth: Learn strategies for creating an open, non-judgmental line of communication to connect with youth affected by PM and CC, encouraging honesty and trust.
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Section 10 - Intervention Techniques to Counter Manipulation: A toolkit of intervention techniques tailored for youth, with practical ways to counter PM and CC at various stages of involvement.
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Section 11 - Strengthening Prevention Measures: Practical ideas to prevent manipulation through fostering connection, purpose, and resilience in youth. Includes suggestions for building a strong sense of self, community, and purpose.
Section 12 - Guiding Youth in Recovery and Rebuilding Connections: Support strategies for recovery, helping youth rebuild their confidence, independence, and sense of belonging after leaving manipulative influences.
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Section 13 - Addressing Violent Extremism: Notes on how to approach discussions if youth are influenced by extreme or dangerous ideologies, with methods for safe and supportive engagement.
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Additional Resources
Looking for more? Explore our other toolkits and guides to deepen your understanding of psychological manipulation & coercive control:
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Toolkit for Identifying & Countering Psychological Manipulation & Coercive Control
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Toolkit for Recovery from Psychological Manipulation & Coercive Control
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Toolkit for Helping Loved Ones Affected by Psychological Manipulation & Coercive Control
- Toolkit for Red Flags of Psychological Manipulation & Coercive Control
- Toolkit for Safe Seeking & Avoiding Manipulation
- Toolkit for Engaging Those Affected by Psychological Manipulation & Coercive Control
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