Warning Signs of Battering Behavior
Abusers demonstrate a series of behaviors which come from their desire for power and control. The more behaviors that an abuser displays, the more dangerous the situation may be. The behaviors typically exhibited by abusers include:
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Destructive criticism/verbal abuse - name calling, mocking, accusing, humiliating
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Pressure tactics - sulking, threatening to withhold money, manipulating children
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Abusing authority - always claiming to be right, making big decisions
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Disrespect - not listening and responding, putting down in front of family/friends
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Abusing trust - lying, withholding information, cheating/being unfaithful
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Breaking promises - not following through; not taking fair share of responsibility
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Emotional withholding - not expressing feelings; not respecting feelings or rights
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Minimizing, denying and blaming - saying abuse didn't happen
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Economic control - refusing to give money or taking money; not letting her work
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Self-destructive behaviors - abusing drugs or alcohol; threatening suicide
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Isolation - preventing or making it difficult to see friends or family
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Harassment - following; checking up; embarrassing her in public
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Intimidation - making angry or threatening gestures; driving recklessly
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Destruction - destroying possessions, punching walls; breaking things
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Threats - making or carrying out threats to hurt her or others
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Sexual violence - using force or coercion to obtain sex or to perform sexual acts
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Physical violence - punching, hitting, slapping, strangling, biting, burning, stabbing
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Use of weapons - using or threatening to use weapons
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