Many men and women are interested in ways they can avoid becoming involved in a relationship with an abuser. Following is a list of behaviors and attributes that are most commonly seen in people who batter intimate partners:
- Jealousy
- Playful use of force in sex
- Controlling
- Verbal Abuse
- Dr Jekyll and Mr./Mrs. Hyde personality
- Demands partner account for all of his/her time
- Blames others for his/her problems
- Isolation of a partner from family and/or friends
- History of battering of current or past partners
- Threatens or gives ultimatums
- Breaking or striking objects
- Hypersensitivity
- Disregard or cruelty to children and/or animals
- Unrealistic expectations Believes in rigid roles for men and women
- Initially, batterers will try to explain away their behavior as a sign of love and concern.
- This may be flattering at first, but will become more and more severe in time.
- Attempts to control the victim will become more forceful and obvious.