Pain is not a justification for hurting others but it is one of the characteristics of a battering personality. The following signs to look for in a battering personality was taken from the Project for Victims of Family Violence, P.O. Box 2915, Fayetteville, Arkansas and is descriptive of male perpetrators of domestic violence. It is true that women also commit acts of domestic violence but when that occurs the dynamics are different than when men perpetrate and that is the subject of another article. Those interested in that pursuit should log on to Domestic Violence on the Men's Issues Page and the Minnesota Higher Education Center Against Violence and Abuse Home Page. Many women are interested in ways that they can predict whether they are about to become involved with someone who will be physically abusive.
Help is available for victims and offenders through a wide variety of resources in Colorado.
Remember, anger is a feeling but violence is a choice. Choose one of the programs listed above if you are being victimized or if you are fearful that you might become a victimizer. No family needs nor wants broken hearts, broken dreams, or broken bones. Choose to make your home a place for peace and not a haven for hurt.