|
|
|
|
|
|
| Who Are the Abusers? |
Just like the victims, there are no “typical” abusers. Anyone can be an abuser. On the surface, abusers may appear to be good providers, loving partners and law-abiding citizens; but their abusive behavior toward their victims can lead to severe injury and even to murder. Although both men and women can be abusers, approximately 97% of all abusers are men.
Abuse is often a learned behavior. The tendency to use abuse as a control tacic is aggravated by the use of drugs and alcohol. Just as drug and alcohol problems can be overcome with proper treatment and counseling, abusive behavior can be overcome with proper treatment and counseling.
The person who uses any form of violence to control or manipulate a partner often has low self-esteem, may refuse to accept responsibility for the violence, and may believe the violence is justified. Often the abuser will attempt to rationalize or excuse the behavior or blame the victim for causing it. There is no excuse for this violent behavior. Violence is against the law.
