D
Deny
Denying or minimizing the alleged behavior or its harmful consequences.
INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL RESOURCEUnderstand DARVO.
Understand DARVO.
Examine the evidence.
An evidence-led introduction to Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender — a response pattern discussed in psychology research. Learn what it means, what studies show, and what the concept cannot prove.
Important: Identifying a pattern resembling DARVO does not establish whether an underlying allegation is true or false. An ordinary denial, a disagreement, or seeking legal advice is not by itself proof of manipulation.
01 — FRAMEWORK
A concept, not a diagnosis.
DARVO is a term developed by psychologist Jennifer J. Freyd to describe a response that can occur when someone is confronted about wrongdoing. DARVOism is this website’s editorial name, not a recognized clinical diagnosis, new disorder, or separate validated scientific theory.
02 — DARVO
The three elements of DARVO
The letters describe a pattern of responses. Individual elements can also occur for other reasons, so context and corroborating evidence matter.
A
Attack
Discrediting or challenging the credibility, motives, or character of the person raising concerns.
RVO
Reverse Victim & Offender
Presenting the person accused of misconduct as the injured party and the person raising concerns as the wrongdoer.
03 — SCIENCE
What published research suggests
Studies have examined how DARVO affects perceptions of credibility and responsibility. Findings describe patterns across particular samples and scenarios; they do not determine guilt in individual cases.
Harsey & Freyd · 2020
A 2020 experimental paper reported that participants exposed to DARVO in fictional scenarios judged the victim as less credible. Educational information about DARVO mitigated some of these effects in a second experiment.
Harsey et al. · 2024
A 2024 PLOS ONE paper reported associations among self-reported DARVO use, acceptance of rape myths and sexual harassment in the samples studied. Correlation does not establish a cause or prove a particular accusation.
04 — STANDARDS
Our editorial method
Primary sources first
Link directly to peer-reviewed studies and the originator’s explanation, with publication dates.
Separate observation and inference
Describe statements and evidence before interpreting a possible response pattern.
Respect fair process
Do not use a psychological label as a verdict, diagnosis, or substitute for investigation.
Corrections and scope
Mark this page as a starting overview; country-specific legal information belongs to dedicated, reviewed resources.
05 — BIBLIOGRAPHY
Selected original sources
External research links; not endorsements or affiliations.
- Jennifer J. Freyd — DARVO: definition, history and cautionsOriginator’s explanatory resource / Présentation par l’auteure du concept
- Harsey & Freyd (2020) — The influence on perceived perpetrator and victim credibilityJournal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma; experimental studies
- Harsey, Adams-Clark & Freyd (2024) — Associations between defensive victim-blaming responses (DARVO), rape myth acceptance, and sexual harassmentPLOS ONE; correlational study
- Harsey & Freyd (2023) — The influence of DARVO and insincere apologiesJournal of Interpersonal Violence; experimental research
06 — FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does denial mean someone is using DARVO?
No. People can deny claims for many reasons. A denial alone neither proves wrongdoing nor establishes DARVO.
Does DARVO prove that an allegation is true?
No. Jennifer Freyd explicitly cautions that DARVO is not proof of the underlying behavior. Evidence and fair procedures remain necessary.
Is DARVO the same as gaslighting?
No. Both terms concern potentially manipulative interactions, but they describe different concepts and can sometimes overlap.
What should I do in a difficult situation?
Prioritize safety, keep a factual timeline and relevant records, and seek support from appropriately qualified local professionals when needed.
07 — NETWORK
Part of a growing educational network
Related projects will be connected once their pages are ready and checked. No inactive Facebook or partner links are published.