Hypervolatility An abuser is easily insulted, takes everything as a personal attack and blows things out of proportion. Cruelty to Animals or Children The abuser may punish animals brutally or be insensitive to their pain. They may have unfair expectations of children or tease them until they cry. “Playful” Use of Force of Sex The abuser may throw or hold their partner down during sex, may pressure their partner into having sex, may demand sex when their partner is tired or ill or doesn’t want to have sex. They may ask the victim to do things they do not want to do. Verbal Abuse The abuser says cruel and harmful things to their victim, degrades them, curses at them, calls them names, or puts down their accomplishments. The abuser tells their victims they are stupid, and unable to function without them. They embarrass and put down the victim in front of others as well. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde The abuser experiences severe mood swings and the victim may think the abuser has a mental health problem. One minute they can be charming and sweet and the next minute they become angry and explosive. Explosiveness and moodiness are typical of people who beat their partners. Past History of Battering The abuser has a history of past battering of partners and although they may admit to that, they say their previous partner provoked them to do it. A batterer will beat any partner they are with if the person is with them long enough for the violence to begin; situational circumstances are not the cause for an abusive relationship. Use of Violence and Threats of Violence Violence can include holding the victim down, restraining them from leaving the room or pushing, shoving or holding them against a wall.
“It is not uncommon for an abusive partner to have extreme and explosive mood swings. Like Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde''
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November 2023 | Collective Action Magazine
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