Abuse or battering is a pattern of coercive behavior used by one person to control another person's actions and feelings. The power and control wheel illustrates methods batterers may use to exert power over you. The outside dark area of the wheel is the physical and sexual violence that has been or can be used. The inner spokes or "pie shaped areas" are forms of abuse. Remember, these sections are held together by the threat or use of physical or sexual violence.