Some domestic abusers provoke their target, inciting a strong response. They secretly record the victim’s reaction. Then they use the recordings to claim the victim is the abuser and gain the upper hand in court. They may even get the court to grant a protective order against their victim, or highly problematic mutual protective orders. Here’s an example: Gary often humiliated Sandra and pushed her into unwanted sex. He would back her into a corner and verbally abuse her for hours. And sometimes Sandra responded in ways that she now regrets—shouting at Gary, throwing things, and slamming doors in frustration. She separated from him to protect herself and the children from Gary’s outbursts and coercive control. She was shocked when Gary filed for a protective order, claiming that she had abused him. He used recordings that he had secretly made as evidence against her. He showed edited video clips to neighbors, family, and friends. He tried to make people believe that Sandra was a crazy abuser and that he was an innocent victim. He was …