In some cases a person may not even know that abusive actions are illegal. People in this situation could benefit from this test in overcoming their belief that they are not victims of abuse. Even the awareness of abuse may not be enough, as various fears may prevent the victim from seeking help. Many abusers and victims were abused as children. People who were exposed to violence as children are more likely to stay in abusive situations, or remain abusers, because they have 'learned' that violence is an acceptable way to vent stress and anger.
Domestic violence is a destructive cycle and it always gets worse.
It can be the abuse of a woman by a man, a man by a woman, a child by a parent or sibling, or in the case of homosexual relationships, same sex abuse. This test can be used in any of these types of situations. Tension-building phase 2. Battering or molestation 3. The pattern then repeats itself over and over again until something is done.