Abusers weaponize calls with the children

Phone calls with the children can become a weapon in the abuser's arsenal when they use these moments to exert control, manipulate emotions, or create confusion. By leveraging these interactions, the abuser may intentionally instill fear, guilt, or anxiety in both the children and the other parent. They may use the call as a platform to belittle, undermine, or sabotage the other parent, often distorting the children's perception of reality. This manipulation can have long-lasting emotional consequences, as the children are caught in the crossfire of a toxic power struggle.