People who abuse come from all class backgrounds, races, and religions. There is no “typical” abuser. People who abuse may:
- Fear losing control
- Have stereotypical ideas about how people in a relationship should act
- Have low self-esteem
- Keep to themselves
- Have a history of family alcohol or drug abuse
- Have witnessed violence between their parents or were abused as a child
- Have poor relationships with partners or family members
- Act extremely jealous and possessive
- Have controlling behavior
- Are quick to get involved in the relationship
- Have unrealistic expectations for their relationships
- Blame others for their own problems or for uncontrollable events
- Act cruelly to animals or children
- Act verbally abusive
- Have abused former partners
- Threaten to use violence
- Use force during an argument
- Not take responsibility for their actions
For additional domestic violence information:
Domestic Violence Unit
Police Headquarters
300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room 3156
Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 727-7137
Fax: (202) 727-6491