It occurs in heterosexual and homosexual relationships. It happens to people of all educational and income levels. It happens in the city, in the suburbs and in rural areas. Domestic Violence - Why Does It Occur Sadly, many batterers feel compelled to dominate and control their relationships with their partners. Unchallenged, persons who batter come to learn that violence is an acceptable and effective way to resolve problems.
Many abusers have a rigid, traditional view of sex roles and parenting.
Batterers are more focused on their own needs than on the pain or fear that their violence causes their victims. Battering is a learned behavior, not a mental illness. Persons who batter are accountable for their own actions. Alcoholism or drug abuse do not cause battering. Intoxication may only intensify an already existing violent behavior.