In extreme cases, Post said, she's aware of men who have killed pets or withheld medication from the women. She warned that falling into this trap can lead to enslavement to the man. Dating May be Hazardous to Your Health, by Claudette McShame, suggests other signals to watch for. For example, if a relationship feels as though it isn't good for you, trust your instincts. The book also warns that an abusive person may be someone who cannot handle normal daily frustrations without shouting, cursing and pounding fists.
Abusive men are likely to be men who hate women.
They will often make sexist remarks and make denigrating comments about women in general, according to McShame. The book sates that studies have shown that men who frequently view pornographic materials have lower opinions of women and are more likely to sexually abuse a woman. A man who performs sexually in a way that is forceful, hurtful or unpleasant may be giving signs of worse things to come. Many abusive men also are under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the times of the attacks. Lastly, if a man comes from a family in which there is violence, child abuse or wife beating, he may be prone to copy this behavior and, in turn, abuse his partner.