COMMON CHARACTERISTICS
Although every abusive situation is different, batterers share many of the same characteristics. The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) lists 15 common traits among abusers:
- Intimidation and violence
- Verbally abusive
- Minimizes abuse
- Substance abuse
- Breaks or strikes things in anger
- History of violence
- Projects blame
- Cruelty to animals or children
- Extreme jealousy
- Controlling behavior
- Isolation
- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Rape or use of force in sex
- Spiritual and religious abuse
- Use of privilege
