Domestic violence is a learned behavior. Personality disorders, mental illness, and other problems may compound domestic violence, but the abusive behavior must be addressed separately. Many men blame their violence on the effects of drug and alcohol use. Alcohol abuse is present in about 50 percent of battering relationships. Research shows that alcohol and other drug abuse is commonly a symptom of an abusive personality, not the cause.
Men often blame their intoxication for the abuse, or use it as an excuse to use violence.
Regardless, it is an excuse, not a cause. Taking away the alcohol, does not stop the abuse. Substance abuse must be treated before or in conjunction with domestic violence treatment programs. He may think he is superior to his partner and is entitled to use whatever means necessary to control her. Her face got in the way of my fist.