Carlos Swearingen’s Shocking Arrest: What His Alleged Assault Reveals About Hidden Psychological Red Flags
The moment a man allegedly threw hot soup on a baby and assaulted a woman is one no one forgets. It’s a jarring snapshot of violence, but also a window into deeper, often hidden emotional dynamics that many people experience in their relationships.
These moments are rarely isolated incidents; instead, they fit into a larger, troubling pattern of conflict and control that repeats itself in countless homes. According to reports, Carlos Swearingen’s arrest for such an assault shines a harsh light on these invisible psychological games (original report).
The Drama Triangle: Understanding the Hidden Roles We Play
At the heart of many toxic relationships lies a psychological pattern known as the Drama Triangle. This model reveals how people often cycle through three destructive roles during conflicts: the Persecutor, the Victim, and the Rescuer.
The Persecutor blames and attacks, the Victim feels helpless and powerless, and the Rescuer intervenes, often unintentionally keeping the Victim dependent and stuck. This cycle fuels tension and prevents healthy resolution.
"Coercive control is a pattern of behavior designed to dominate, control, and isolate a partner through fear, intimidation, and isolation,"
explains Dr. Evan Stark, a leading expert on abusive dynamics. This insight is crucial because the Drama Triangle doesn’t just describe conflict—it exposes how control and manipulation are masked as concern or victimhood.
Applying the Drama Triangle to Carlos Swearingen’s Case
Carlos Swearingen’s reported actions exemplify the Persecutor role in the Drama Triangle, using aggression and intimidation to dominate. The alleged act of throwing hot soup on a baby is a terrifying form of coercive control, designed to instill fear and maintain power.
The assaulted woman may have been cast into the Victim role, feeling trapped and powerless in the face of unpredictable violence. If others around tried to intervene or protect, they might have fallen into the Rescuer role, inadvertently reinforcing the cycle by keeping the Victim dependent instead of empowered.
As someone who has worked with women in similar situations, this pattern is painfully familiar. The public nature of this case reminds us that such dynamics are not limited to private spaces—they can erupt in shocking ways that demand our attention and understanding.
Seeing Yourself in the Drama Triangle
Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle where you or someone you love shifts between blaming, feeling helpless, or stepping in to fix things? Do arguments escalate quickly, leaving you exhausted and confused about who’s really “right” or “wrong”?
Recognizing these roles in your own relationships is the first step toward breaking free from destructive patterns. It takes courage to look honestly at how we might be contributing to the cycle, whether as Persecutor, Victim, or Rescuer.
The Path Forward
If these patterns resonate with you, please know you are not alone. Gaining clarity is the first step toward peace. We invite you to take our free, confidential "FREE Relationship Clarity" assessment to better understand your unique situation.
Remember, the Drama Triangle is not a life sentence. Awareness empowers change. By stepping out of these roles, you open the door to healthier, more balanced relationships.
If these patterns resonate with you, please know you are not alone. Gaining clarity is the first step toward peace. We invite you to take our free, confidential "FREE Relationship Clarity" assessment to better understand your unique situation.