Luke and Ryan Hart share a heart-wrenching story of survival and resilience in the face of their father’s coercive control, a form of abuse that tragically ended in the loss of their mother and sister. Their father, Lance Hart, had subjected the family to years of psychological torment before his devastating act of violence in July 2016.
The brothers only came to realize the extent of their father’s control in retrospect, after he shot their mother and sister, Claire and Charlotte, before turning the gun on himself. Lance had not acted violently before that day.
The Hart brothers’ experiences shed light on the subtle, often invisible nature of coercive control, which slowly strips away personal freedom and autonomy. Their father’s tactics included financial manipulation, isolating them from social activities, and creating a household environment where they were constantly walking on eggshells. This form of abuse, they explain, is not about physical violence but about the total domination of one’s life and decisions. By sharing their story, Luke and Ryan aim to help others recognize the signs of coercive control, encouraging those who may be in similar situations to seek help.
Featured image: Luke and Ryan Hart. Source: YouTube Screenshot / BBC Breakfast.
