Boys who have been abused are often hard to control, experiencing temper tantrums and getting into fights. They may threaten friends and teachers, destroy things, even harm their pets. Girls tend to be more introverted, depressed, easily frightened, uneasy around adults. Abused children may abuse younger children. Of course, victims may have physical scratches, bruises, or even broken bones.
Abuse happens in all kinds of families and in all economic and societal groups.
Although 95 percent of victims are female, both men and women can be abusers. They generally have low self-esteem. They feel out of control of their life and use force or threat of force to establish control. They often feel unlovable and use manipulation, force, or threat of force to be loved. Many abusers experience uncontrollable anger when they are hurt or afraid.