The deadliest forms of domestic violence often only leave invisible injuries until it’s too late.

In both cases, these women were murdered by their estranged husbands.

The goal is to make victims feel like it’s the “two of them against the world.”

woman sitting alone on a bed with her back to the camera

In fact, new research shows the currentnumber one cause of death for a pregnant personis domestic violence.

New rules and consequences usually only apply to the victim, too.

They will already have a plan in their minds, and they will already be testing boundaries."

couple arguing while a woman wipes a tear away

Psychology Todayadds abusers are often disguised as someone with “White Knight Syndrome.”

But the main goal, Richards says, is to isolate and control.

Richards adds that men, however, don’t appear to be judged the same way.

Asian woman looking into the distance with her head against a wall

Couple arguing in a dark hallway

woman looking upset and looking off-camera