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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ONLINE CLASS – 2 HOURS
Power and control wheel
Abusive relationships are based on the mistaken belief that one person has the right to control another. Battering crosses all socioeconomic, educational, ethnic, sexual orientation, age, and racial lines in equal proportions. There is no “typical” victim.
Substance abuse is involved in about half of all domestic violence incidents. Although drugs or alcohol may lower a person’s self-control, they do not cause violence. Batterers often use drugs or alcohol as an excuse or permission to batter and to avoid responsibility for their abuse. Domestic violence and substance abuse are two different problems and each requires specialized intervention.
Batterers generally lead “normal” lives except for their unwillingness to stop their violent and controlling behavior in their intimate relationships. Batterers do not batter because they are crazy or mentally ill.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BATTERER
• Batterers come from any and all socioeconomic levels.
• Frequently grew up in a violent home.
• Low self-esteem and hidden depression.
• Poor impulse control.
• External locus of control-avoids responsibility for actions by blaming others.
• Difficulty building and maintaining close personal ties.
• Most often defers to persons in authority, able to portray a very different persona to the outside world.
• Frequently a traditionalist, believing in male supremacy and ownership of spouse and children: “king of the castle.”
• Exhibits “overkill” in activities and emotions, whether negative or positive, with unpredictable mood swings.
• Exhibits extreme jealousy, including verbal abuse about suspected affairs.
• Very controlling and monitors spouse’s every move.
• Obsessive about how things should be done in the home.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VICTIM
• From any and all socioeconomic levels.
• Frequently grew up in an abusive home.
• Has a history of repeated ED visits.
• Offers inconsistent explanations for bruises or fractures.
• Has “accidents” during pregnancy.
• Has psychosomatic and emotional complaints, such as sleeping and eating disorders, hyperventilation, choking sensations, chest pain, anxiety and depression.
• Embarrassed /evasive when questioned about injury or abuse.
• Offers apologies or excuses for the batterer’s behavior.
• Physical clues: multiple bruises in various stages of healing, dark sunglasses, heavy makeup, long sleeves, high collars.
• Appears anxious or fearful in the presence of abusive partner.
• Seldom has any cash and often “forgets” checkbook.
• May have a high degree of absenteeism at work.
