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A common manipulation tactic used by narcissists, often called "reactive abuse”, is when the narcissist repeatedly provokes and abuses their victim, pushing them to their breaking point. When the victim eventually reacts, out of frustration or self-defense, the narcissist seizes this moment to portray themselves as the innocent party or the victim, and the actual victim as the instigator or aggressor. By flipping the narrative, they can manipulate witnesses, and even gaslight the victims, making them feel uncertain about their own actions while simultaneously gaining sympathy from others. This tactic helps the narcissist avoid accountability and further isolates their victims.