The U.S. Bureau of Justice reports, however, that women are more than seven times likely to be victimized by an intimate partner than men. Many theories exist as to why some men use violence against their partners. These theories include family dysfunction, inadequate communication skills, provocation by women, stress, chemical dependency, lack of spirituality and economic hardship. These issues are associated with the violence but are not the causes of it. The abuser uses violent behavior to gain or keep control over another person and usually gets away without consequences for the behavior.
Abusers come from all groups and backgrounds and from all personality profiles.
Some warning signs include extreme jealousy, a bad temper, possessiveness, unpredictability, cruelty to animals and verbal abusiveness. Has low self-esteem and feels powerless and ineffective yet may appear successful. Blames the violent behavior on stress, other person's behavior, a bad day, alcohol or other factors. Can be pleasant and charming between periods of violence and may be seen as a nice person to outsiders. A criminal record, or history of fights, punching walls or throwing things are signs of violent behavior.