Introduction

Domestic abuse is a recurring pattern of behavior characterized by coercion, control, emotional manipulation, and other harmful tactics employed by a partner, ex-partner, or family member. This behavior can often be associated with factors such as the perpetrator’s need for control, which can escalate the severity and frequency of the abuse, creating an environment that increases the victim’s fear of the perpetrator.

A common misconception is that domestic abuse is solely physical, manifesting as acts of violence like beating, but it encompasses a broad spectrum of harm, including psychological, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse. Recognizing these various forms of abuse is essential to addressing the multifaceted nature of the issue and it is crucial in identifying warning signs and intervening effectively to prevent the escalation of abuse. This article will explore the shared characteristics frequently observed among individuals who perpetrate domestic abuse, shedding light on the behaviors and underlying factors that drive these actions.

Psychological characteristics observed in perpetrators of domestic abuse

It’s worthy to note that perpetrators are not always what they seem. Many of them act charming and likable in public but exude a tendency for violence against their partner in private. These are the likely traits to watch out for in a relationship with your partner.

1. Excessive feeling of jealousy and possessiveness: This type of behavior is not normal because the fear of losing one’s partner can lead to controlling and restricting any form of growth that could take the partner away.
2. Narcissistic tendencies: Some abusers believe in the traditional role of putting the male first in everything. Most of them have this sense of self-importance that makes them result to violence if the female doesn’t put their needs first.
3. Poor emotional regulation: This type of people find it had to control their emotions which usually lead to violent outburst and the childish tendency to put the blame for their outburst on their partner.
4. Experience of trauma or abuse: Most perpetrators have experienced abuse, usually in the form of a father figure and they are just influenced by that pattern of behavior.
5. Low self-esteem: Most abusers feel unhappy with their own abilities which sometimes undermine their confidence and in a world that have high expectations for men, they are likely to exert control and power over their partners to show their dominance through that singular act.
6. Need for control: Most perpetrators want to have control over their partners. This feeling usually stems from the fear that they would lose control as men over their women if they don’t exert their dominance. They would always question their partner, wanting to know where they were or where they had gone, make decisions for their partners and restrict their partners from doing anything that will better their life.

Thess characteristics are innate traits that manifest as domestic violence and it is always in a cycle, non-stop and continuous that it could lead to the death of a partner and a reoccurrence if they move on to another partner.

Conclusion

Domestic abuse is a choice. It is not an aftermath of feeling like the victim is the problem or pretending like exerting control over the victim have protected them from something. It is the fact that a partner chose to emotionally manipulate, financially restrict or physically violate their partner because of something they believe in.