D.A.R.V.O.

Summary: DARVO stands for "Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender." (blameshift to avoid fear of exposure, guilt and shame.)

D.A.R.V.O. and Abuse Delegation. Compensating behaviour = Fear of exposure, this may suggest someone is hiding something, they are not hiding 'nothing'.

VeryWellMind - Why Do People Blame the Victim?

VeryWellMind - What to Do If You or a Loved One Lack Empathy

Psychology Today - The Risk Factors for Continuing the Cycle of Abuse

What happens if you present a mirror reflection in conversation or writing to a person who continues to covertly or overly abuse and manipulate others and avoids accountability with avoidance and charm?

BFL - Your Legal Guide to Divorcing a Narcissist – Narcissistic Abuse Explained

CH - Flying Monkeys. Unravelling the Origins of a Term in the Context of Domestic Abuse

The Role of Flying Monkeys in Domestic Abuse

Flying monkeys in the context of domestic abuse play various roles, all of which serve to reinforce the abuser’s control and manipulation:

Spread Disinformation: They may spread lies and rumours about the victim, often echoing the narcissist’s narrative to discredit and isolate the victim further.
Harassment and Intimidation: Flying monkeys can also engage in direct harassment, sending messages or making calls on behalf of the abuser, serving to intimidate and control the victim.
Spying and Reporting Back: In some cases, they act as the eyes and ears of the abuser, reporting back on the victim’s activities and state of mind.
Enabling Denial: Their actions can provide the abuser with plausible deniability, as the abuser can claim they are not directly responsible for the actions of others.

References:

Choose Therapy - DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim & Offender

VeryWellMind - How Narcissists Use DARVO to Avoid Accountability

Psychopathy Is - What are Personality Disorders?

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR)

KeyStone Law - Understanding DARVO: what is abusive, gaslighting and coercive behaviour in a relationship?

Medical News Today - What to know about DARVO

Sentient - How to Handle the DARVO Method

Domestic Shelter - Explaining DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim & Offender

PsychCentral - All About Machiavellianism

VeryWellMind - Machiavellian Personality Traits

VeryWellMind - What Is a Psychopath?