Common characteristics
Characteristics of an abuser- Low self-esteem
- Believes all the myths about battering relationships
- A traditionalist about the home, strongly believes in family unity and the prescribed sex role stereotype
- Blames others for his/her actions
- Pathologically jealous
- Presents a dual personality
- Reacts to stress severely, often by battering their partner to cope
- Frequently uses sex as an act of aggression to enhance self-esteem
- Does not believe violent behavior should have negative consequences and denies the severity of the beatings
- May use drugs or alcohol as a reaction to stress
- Tries to isolate the victim
- Tries to control victim’s behavior and activities
- Has an explosive temper
- Has a high probability of being from an abusive family
- More violent at times of pregnancy or separation
- Intense dependence on the victim
- Threatens or abuses family pets
Characteristics of a victim
- Low self-esteem
- Believes all the myths about battering relationships
- A traditionalist about the home, strongly believes in family unity and the prescribed sex role stereotype
- Accepts responsibility for the batterer’s actions
- Suffers from guilt, yet denies the terror and anger they feel
- Presents a passive front to the world, but has the strength to survive her environment enough to prevent further violence and being killed
- Reacts severely to stress with psychosomatic complaints
- Believes that no one will be able to help her resolve her situation
- Is dependent, emotionally and financially
- Feels isolated
- Often abused as a child or witnessed abuse in family of origin
- Has a ‘caretaker’ attitude—“I can change him”