Batterers

• Low self-esteem
• Believes in myths of battering relationship
• Strong belief in traditional gender roles within the family
• Blames others for his behavior
• Pathologically jealous
• Alternates between violence and being regretful
• Has severe stress reactions, with which he copes by drinking and battering
• Uses sex as an act of aggression, often to bolster self-esteem
• Does not believe the violent behavior should have negative consequences
• Socially isolated
• Very sensitive to the nuances of other’s behavior
• Becomes paranoid under stress

Victims

• Low self-esteem, lacks clear self-identity
• Believes in myths of battering relationships
• Strong belief in traditional gender roles within the family
• Accepts responsibility for batterer’s behavior
• Feels guilty, but denies terror and anger
• Presents as reserved and passive
• Has severe stress reactions, with psycho-physiological complaints
• Uses sex to establish intimacy
• Believes no one can help, and they must be self-sufficient
• Socially unsophisticated and shy
• Trusting, but has difficulty expressing feelings
• Becomes withdrawn under stress