The MIX Morning Crew talk about something that’s a game-changer in relationships—DARVO. Have you ever confronted someone about their behavior, only to end up feeling like the villain? That’s DARVO in action.
Today, Sean Kelly and Mariam Serkal break it down with Dr Julie Gowthorpe, RSW to learn what it is and how to deal with it.
DARVO stands for Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender, and it’s a toxic manipulation tactic used to dodge accountability. Whether it’s a romantic partner, a family member, a friend, or a business relationship—if you’ve been DARVOed, you know how frustrating and exhausting it can be.
DARVO was first identified by Dr. Freyd, a psychologist at the University of Oregon. She developed the concept while studying how abusers and organizations deflect responsibility.
It’s often seen in cases of abuse, harassment, and other forms of misconduct. DARVO allows perpetrators to avoid accountability by manipulating the conversation and making the victim seem like the problem.
