March 20, 2026

164. Breaking the Silence – Understanding Coercive Control with CEO of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Group (DART Group), Jolene Ellat and Prina Shah

Coercive control is one of the most misunderstood forms of abuse. It rarely begins with obvious violence. Instead, it often starts subtly — through behaviours that slowly isolate, manipulate, and erode a person's confidence and independence. In this powerful episode of Ways to Change Your Workplace, Prina Shah is joined by Joelene Ellat, CEO and Founder of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Institute (DART Institute). Jolene's the CEO of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Group (D...

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Coercive control is one of the most misunderstood forms of abuse.

It rarely begins with obvious violence. Instead, it often starts subtly — through behaviours that slowly isolate, manipulate, and erode a person's confidence and independence.

In this powerful episode of Ways to Change Your Workplace, Prina Shah is joined by Joelene Ellat, CEO and Founder of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Institute (DART Institute).

Jolene's the CEO of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Group (DART Group)

Jolene's LinkedIn

Joelene brings deep expertise in domestic and family violence and explains how coercive control operates as a pattern of behaviours designed to gain power and control within a relationship.

Together, they unpack how these behaviours show up in everyday life — and importantly, how they show up in workplaces.

Because family violence does not stay behind closed doors.
 It affects workplaces, colleagues, leaders, and organisational culture.

This episode explores the warning signs of coercive control, including love bombing, gaslighting, financial abuse, isolation, and monitoring behaviours, and provides practical guidance on how workplaces can recognise and respond to these situations safely.

This conversation is confronting, complex, and deeply important.

If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

Global Emergency Numbers

Domestic Violence Hotlines in Australia


Send Prina a text to let her know how you'd change the workplace

If you are seeking professional advice or would like to change your company culture through training, consulting, speaking and coaching, get in touch,  email me.

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