BATTERING REASONS, SYMPTOMS, SIGNS
REASONS FOR BATTERING
The reason for abuse can stem from different elements of life. For the abuser, it is all about power and control.
An abuser will dominate in order to feel they are in charge of the relationship. They expect their mate to obey them, serve them, and make them feel as though they are their personal possession. They humiliate them, so they will feel worthless. They do this by calling them names and making them feel useless.
SYMPTOMS OF AN ABUSER
Recognizing the symptoms of an abuser is usually the action of their behavior. An abuser can either be male or female. According to the Guide to Domestic Violence, signs of an abuser are:
- have a bad and unpredictable temper
- hurt, threaten, or kill their victim
- threaten to take their children away or harm them
- threaten to commit suicide if you leave
- for their partner to have sex
- destroy their partner’s belongings
- extremely jealous
- limit their money, friends, and family
- control their every move
- the abuser usually blames their victim for their abusive behavior
WARNING SIGNS OF AN ABUSE VICTIM
Warning signs come in different fashions. A victim can either be male or female. Many times the victim is withdrawn, a loner or sometimes reaching out for friendship, love, and attention. They have a tendency to linger after work dreading going home. But many times, they rush and leave so quickly because if they are a minute late, they will most likely be abused.
One may also recognize when abuse is present; when one notices a change in their personality. Victims are usually bruised and beaten in areas of their bodies that are not visible. This is what makes it so difficult for people to recognize that a person has been abused. The actual physical scars are carefully hidden, but the emotional and psychological scars are usually visible.
According to the Guide to Domestic Violence, the victims usually have frequent injuries, with the excuse of “accidents,” frequent and sudden absences from work or school; frequent, harassing phone calls from the partner; references to the partner’s anger; submissive behavior; and excessive fear to conflict.
If you are an abuser, Contact the Battering Intervention and Prevention Program and let us help you stop the abuse. If you think someone is being abused get involved, anonymously, if necessary, by calling the National Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.