What you, our valued reader, will find on this page are a list of the same definitions provided by Nadeya Lavandero to the Courts in her subject matter expert reports. Nadeya uses her reports, through her incredibly detailed analysis of each case and pattern of behavior of the alleged abuser, to not only assist victims and survivors in making their cases against their abusers, but to educate and inform the Judges who are charged with making very delicate decisions in the lives of those who are desperately seeking protection through the proper legal channels. These decisions are too often a matter of life and death, for victims and their children. Nadeya expands on these definitions to provide the reader with a better understanding through context and more detailed information.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is defined as "a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner.

Coercive Control

is defined as “disturbing the peace of the other party [referring] to conduct that, based on the totality of the circumstances, destroys the mental or emotional calm of the other party... that in purpose or effect unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty."

Coming Soon: Post Separation Abuse

What judicial officers and court evaluators often categorize as “high conflict” is increasingly recognized by specialized professionals and subject matter experts as post-separation abuse.

Coming Soon: Abuse By-Proxy

is defined as a form of abuse where an abuser inflicts harm on their victim through indirect means, such as the use and manipulation of third parties... allow[ing] the abuser to maintain control and inflict significant harm, while evading accountability and preserving a façade of innocence.