The goal of violence (physical, psychological, or sexual) is absolute power and control over the victims. (View the POWER AND CONTROL WHEEL)

At the center is power and control. The abusers goal is total power and control over the victim.

The spokes on the wheel (intimidation, emotional abuse, etc) are the tactics used by the abuser to gain power and control.

The threat or the reality of violence (physical-sexual) is the mechanism that holds it all together.