Often in Domestic Violence Situations the Victim….

* Minimizes or denies the violence

* Accepts responsibility for the violence

* Hopes and believes that the batterer will change

* Suffers severe stress reactions such as stomach problems and headaches

* Is often economically dependent on the batterer

* Believes no one can help

Often in Domestic Violence Situations the Batterer….

* Has an intense need to control aspects of his/her partner’s life

* Blames others for violent behavior

* Makes excuses to justify behavior

* Redefines the focus, wants to tell others what is “really” going on

* Manipulates others

* Builds self up by putting others down

* Is pathologically jealous, presents a dual personality

* May used drugs and alcohol to cope with life stress

Often in Domestic Violence Situations the Children…

* Learn violent behavior

* Suffer severe stress reactions, stomach aches and headaches

* Have difficulty socializing with peers

* Experience terror, anger and guilt

* Have higher rates of drug and alcohol abuse

* If male, are more likely to become a batterer

* If female, are more likely to marry a batterer

* May run away