DARVO Tactic
Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender: when confronted, deny the act, attack the accuser's credibility, and claim to be the real victim; observers reliably shift blame toward the accuser.
An everyday example
A vendor confronted with a breach who denies it, questions your professionalism, and complains about how they are being treated.
What it can cost you
Being manoeuvred from complainant to defendant; observers siding with the louder victim.
Warning signs
- I am now defending myself.
- They are the victim of my complaint.
One thing to do
Stay on the specific act with the specific evidence; refuse to defend your character, and put the exchange in writing.
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