The Cultural and Creator's wheels explain different forms of abuse that Native American victims experience in their relationships. Cultural abuse isolates the victims from the community and harms their emotions. Families are shaped by certain rules that in turn are driven by cultural beliefs. In light of the importance of culture and spirituality to Native Americans identities, cultural abuse can be severe disruptive to victims’ well-being. In abusive situations, the perpetrators might belittle survivors’ traditions, practices, and beliefs. Perpetrators might control survivors’ interactions with other members of the community or prevent them from participating in ceremonies and gatherings. They may also force survivors to practice some traditions that they are not willing to do.

By examining the many ways society reinforces the use of power and control, those using the wheel can identify actions that might be taken on personal, cultural and institutional levels to end the tolerance of battering.