In the eyes of the law, and for the purpose of a VAWA self-petition, abuse manifests in many different, often invisible, forms. Many survivors assume "abuse" only means physical harm, but "extreme cruelty" covers much more. The Invisible Cycle of Control Abuse is often a pattern of psychological and economic coercion designed to keep you trapped: Deportation Threats:  Using your immigration status as a weapon to ensure silence. Financial Abuse:  Forcing you into debt or with