The following profiles are some indicators of batterers and victims in a
battering relationship. If you find you or your partner fit the description,
it is time to seek help!
Batters
- Low self-esteem
- Believes in myths of battering relationship
- Strong belief in traditional gender roles within the family
- Blames others for his behavior
- Pathologically jealous
- Alternates between violence and being regretful
- Has severe stress reactions, with which he copes by drinking and battering
- Uses sex as an act of aggression, often to bolster self-esteem
- Does not believe the violent behavior should have negative consequences
- Socially isolated
- Very sensitive to the nuances of other’s behavior
- Becomes paranoid under stress
Victims
Low self-esteem, lacks clear self-identity
Believes in myths of battering relationships
Strong belief in traditional gender roles within the family
Accepts responsibility for batterer’s behavior
Feels guilty, but denies terror and anger
Presents as reserved and passive
Has severe stress reactions, with psycho physiological complaints
Uses sex to establish intimacy
Believes no one can help, and they must be self-sufficient
Socially unsophisticated and shy
Trusting, but has difficulty expressing feelings
Becomes withdrawn under stress