Characteristics of an Abuser

Initially, the abuser will try to explain abuse as signs of love and concern but as time goes on, the behavior becomes more severe.  He or she may not have all these characteristics, but several of them together, and exhibited frequently, can be red flags indicating a batterer.

• Jealousy
• Controlling
• Quick involvement
• Unrealistic expectations
• Isolation
• Blames others for problems
• Blames others for feelings
• Hypersensitivity
• Cruelty to animals or children
• Use of force during sex
• Verbal abuse
• Rigid sex roles
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality
• Battering in past relationships
• Threats of violence
• Breaking or striking objects
• Any force during an argument
• Dehumanizes and devalues people
• Low self-esteem
• Tight control over family finances
• Minimization of violence
• Manipulation through guilt
• Rigid belief system