We often hear contestants on the likes of Love Island and Married At First Sight being accused of 'love bombing' - but it's far more serious than poolside chats and reality TV drama. Far from its origin as a dating buzz-phrase, love bombing is now recognised by the CPS as a tactic used by domestic abusers. But what does it actually mean, and what are the signs? Coercive control is a psychological form of domestic abuse that forces a victim to question their very sense of self, damaging their self-esteem and often leaving them isolated and vulnerable.
Love bombing has now been cited by the CPS as a way to control and manipulate a person, within this framework of abuse. "Sometimes we see, particularly at the beginning of the relationship, a big showering of love and affection," Kate Brown, national lead for domestic abuse at the CPS, said previously. The recently updated guidance highlights the rising trend of love bombing, and the subtle ways in which abusers can assert their control over a victim.
Love bombing is a tactic a perpetrator may use to gain trust within a romantic relationship . It can be a way of manipulating someone to form a deep bond and connection, usually showering them with gifts and affection - and then withdrawing it. The phenomenon has also gained a lot of attention on social media as the #lovebombing tag has been used nearly 400 million times on TikTok.
"Most often, love bombing is done by a narcissist with the intent of drawing in and gaining control ov.
