Perpetrators / Abusers

Anyone, regardless of age, race, sex, or economic status can be abusive. Though the majority of documented cases involve men abusing women, abuse occurs between both sexes. Below are resources and information regarding abuse.

Why perpetrators abuse

The majority of perpetrators that abuse have and need to fulfill an unhealthy sense of "control". When the perpetrator feels that he/she is losing control of a situation, he/she becomes anxious and attempts to regain "control". The perpetrator will attempt to gain "control" over the victim by becoming either verbally abusive or violent. The perpetrator may promise that the abuse will stop, however he/she will gravitate towards the familiar behavior, making the abuse a vicious cycle. Only serious intensive therapy and a strong commitment to change on the abuser's behalf can stop the cycle.

For Perpetrators/Abusers who seek help

If you are a perpetrator/abuser who would like to stop the vicious cycle and seek help there are several resources available to you. With professional help and hard work, perpetrators/abusers can stop the violence.

• Alternatives to Domestic Aggression
  www.csswashtenaw.org/ada
  
  
• "Do Batterers' Programs Work?"
  by Jeffrey L. Edleson (1995)
  www.mincava.umn.edu/papers/battrx.htm