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DOMESTIC ABUSE: VIOLENCE BETWEEN COUPLES

NCJ Number
148060
Date Published
1992
Length
13 pages
Annotation
After identifying myths about domestic violence, this booklet discusses why some women stay in abusive relationships, why men continue to abuse their wives and girl friends, effects on the children, and ways to get help.
Abstract
Some myths about domestic abuse are that women like violent and controlling men, that victims' behavior generally warrants a violent response, that domestic abuse occurs only among the lower class, and that only the mentally ill do it. Some women stay in an abusive relationship because they have no independent means of support, are isolated from those who could help them, and cannot accept the sense of failure associated with divorce. Victims also fear retaliation from the abuser if they attempt to leave, and some accept abuse as their lot in life. Abusers act as they do because they learned violence from their parents, have low self-esteem, and believe they are maintaining control and discipline. Alcohol is also often a factor in abuse. Battered wives must first leave the home. If there is no family member who can take them in, they should go to a shelter for battered women and their children. Battered women must be aware that matters will only get worse if outside help is not received. 4 resource listings