Groups for abusive men are working to help them change, to learn new ways of dealing with frustration and anger. Men batter because they are alcoholics. Not all batterers are users of alcohol or drugs. And even men who are substance abusers batter when they are sober as well. Alcohol and drugs are an excuse for violence, not the cause.
Women also use drugs and alcohol to mask their pain and escape the violence.
Battering occurs only in heterosexual relationships. While it isn't clear just how common it is, battering happens in lesbian and gay relationships. The abuse is similar to that in heterosexual couples, but it is far more invisible, because lesbians, even more than gay man, are invisible in our society. Many programs for battered women are only just beginning to address this issue. However, more groups which support battering survivors are recognizing this issue and now welcome lesbians, as well as, heterosexual survivors.