Story perspectives

Study Reveals Abusers Use 'Two-Faced Soulmate' Tactics

10/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The University of Cambridge study finds domestic abusers cultivate attachments before violence.
Researcher Mags Lesiak of the University of Cambridge interviewed 18 UK women who returned to abusers despite independence.
The study labels a "two-faced soulmate" who alternates affection and cruelty to pressure compliance.
Lesiak argues attachment stems from deliberate brainwashing, not passive trauma, challenging victim-pathology views.
The findings urge practitioners to recognize manipulative strategies in treatment to improve outcomes.

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Story summary

The University of Cambridge study finds domestic abusers cultivate attachments before violence.
Researcher Mags Lesiak of the University of Cambridge interviewed 18 UK women who returned to abusers despite independence.
The study labels a "two-faced soulmate" who alternates affection and cruelty to pressure compliance.
Lesiak argues attachment stems from deliberate brainwashing, not passive trauma, challenging victim-pathology views.
The findings urge practitioners to recognize manipulative strategies in treatment to improve outcomes.