Boys who see their fathers beat their mothers are ten times more likely to be abusive in their adult intimate relationships. Everyone Has the Right to Feel Safe in a Relationship Domestic violence hurts all family members. When a person is abusive, he or she eventually loses the trust and respect of his or her partner. Abused partners are afraid to communicate their feelings and needs. With help, people who are abusive can learn to be non-violent.
Disagreements develop from time to time in relationships.
Domestic violence is not a disagreement. It is a whole pattern of behaviors used by one partner to establish and maintain power and control over the other. These behaviors can become more frequent and intense over time. The abusive person is responsible for these behaviors. That person is the only one who can change them.