There are many theories that have been developed to explain why men use violence against their intimate partners. These theories include family dysfunction, inadequate communication skills, provocation by their partners, stress, drug or alcohol abuse, unemployment and financial hardship. Although these factors do play a part in some abusive relationships they are not the cause of the abuse. Even if you take away all these factors, you will not prevent men from battering women. The abuser begins and then continues his behaviour because it works.
Violence is an effective tool for attaining and maintaining control over another person.
The abuser does not suffer any adverse action from his behaviour so he has no reason to change it. The longer time goes on, the more confident he will become and he will attempt to gain more and more control. Abusers convince their partner that there is no way out and that no one else will want them by repeatedy putting them down. This 'brain washing' may continue to the point where the victim has no self-esteem, is totally in his control and gives up hope of even trying to leave the relationship. Just like his victim, the abuser suffers from low self esteem.