Why Domestic Abusers Commit Abuse

Why Domestic Abusers Commit Abuse Relationships Violence and Abuse Print Why Domestic Abuse Happens Its All About Control By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Updated on December 09, 2019 Tharakorn Arunothai / EyeEm / Getty Images More in Relationships Violence and Abuse Spouses & Partners LGBTQ Whether alcohol and drug abuse is a factor or not, domestic violence and abuse is a very serious problemâ€"for the victims and the abusers. Although studies seem to indicate some link between alcohol/drug abuse and domestic violence, others believe that they are two separate issues.?? Domestic abuse is not so much about a loss of control as it is about total control. Ironically, many batterers do not see themselves as perpetrators, but as victims. This reasoning is common among batterers. Most enter treatment programs heavily armored with elaborate denial systems designed to justify or excuse their actions.?? All About Control There are varying theories about what makes batterers use abuse with those closest to them. One view is that batterers are hardened criminals who commit their crimes in a conscious, calculated manner to achieve the dominance they believe men are entitled to. Others believe abuse is the product of deep psychological and developmental scars.?? Experts have reached a consensus on several common characteristics among batterersâ€"they are controlling, manipulative, often see themselves as victims and believe that men have a pre-ordained right to be in charge of all aspects of a relationship.?? One study found that in many cases acts of domestic violence are mate retention behaviors, that is, actions taken by one partner to try to preserve and maintain their relationship with the other partner.?? Mate Retention Behaviors For some abusers, violence is a tool to keep their intimate partner from leaving the relationship or keeping them from being unfaithful, even if it means physically forcing them to stay. One batterer who has now gone through treatment, says the beatings, the verbal abuse, and the intimidation were all about control. It was like having a new toy, he said. I had the buttons and I could make her do whatever I wanted. I was trying to intimidate her. I wanted to control her for the simple reason that I knew I could do it. It made me feel powerful. The Abuse Cycle The issues of power and control are essential to an understanding of Domestic Violence. One way this is accomplished is by becoming familiar with the Cycle of Violence. Here is an overview of the phases: Build-Up Phase - The tension builds.Stand-Over Phase - Verbal attacks increase.Explosion Phase - A violent outburst occurs.Remorse Phase - You shouldnt have pushed me, it was your fault!Pursuit Phase - It will never happen again, I promise.Honeymoon Phase - See, we dont have any problems! This cycle concerns actual physical abuse. It does not take into account other forms of domestic abuse that are used to control, such as sexual abuse, verbal abuse, psychological and emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, economic abuse, and social abuse. Few Resources or Help for Batterers There are very few resources available for batterers, but generally speaking many only seek help when ordered by the courts to do so, and most states spend no tax dollars on treatment for batterers, usually offering only incarceration in jail or prison as a solution. Putting the abuser in jail will stop the violence, but usually only temporarily since no treatment is available. The problem is, the involvement of the police and incarceration can actually trigger greater violence in some cases. Help for Victims of Abuse The threat of physical harm plus the economic and physical isolation they usually find themselves in makes getting help even more difficult for the victims of domestic abuse. Simply leaving can provoke more and greater violence. National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)