Chapter 10: DARVO
Definition of DARVO
Psychologist Jennifer Freyd describes DARVO as a common reaction used by perpetrators when they are confronted with their wrongdoing, particularly in cases involving interpersonal or sexual abuse. DARVO stands for Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender.
Under this pattern, the perpetrator:
· Denies the abusive behavior outright
· Attacks the credibility, character, or motives of the person confronting them
· Reverses the roles of victim and offender, portraying themselves as the true victim while framing the actual victim, or whistleblower, as the aggressor or liar
This tactic is especially destabilizing because it shifts focus away from the abusive behavior itself and instead places the victim on the defensive, forced to justify their perceptions, reactions, or credibility.
Figure 42 Example of DARVO in practice: denial of harm, personal attacks, and reversal of victim and offender roles following confrontation about abusive behavior.
Accusations as a Form of Role Reversal
Near the end of our relationship, as I began naming patterns of abuse and asserting boundaries, Sherif increasingly accused me of gaslighting him and of being a pathological liar.
These accusations emerged only after I confronted him about specific behaviors, particularly coercion, withdrawal, and dishonesty, and were not raised earlier in the relationship. Rather than engaging with the substance of my concerns, he reframed himself as the injured party and positioned me as the abuser.
Figure 43 DARVO escalation following confrontation: denial of events, attacks on credibility, accusations of mental instability, and refusal to provide evidence.