How can you identify men or family systems that batter?

Answer 1

There is no definite way to determine why some men batter, but there are common psychological characteristics, known as "risk markers". The following risk markers were derived from studies comparing batterers to non-batterers. Intrapersonal elements: low self-esteem fear of intimacy high power/control needs high levels of anger/hostility depression low stress tolerance defensiveness denial/minimization/justification of own violence Interpersonal elements: possessiveness/suspiciousness/jealousy of partner poor communication with partner guardedness in all relationships difficulty expressing affection verbal aggressiveness negative attitudes toward women Environmental elements: violence in family of origin alcohol/other drug abuse un- or under-employment child abuse (more than half of all batterers also abuse their children) In addition, there are other risk markers that commonly go along with extreme spousal violence. A History of: having been severely abused by parents as a child having perpetrated severe spousal abuse separations and divorces using a weapon arrests Psychological Factors: antisocial personality alcohol abuse or dependency generalized aggression emotional volatility high levels of dysphoria, alienation, dependency