- Tension-Building Stage
- Arguing
- Blaming
- Anger
- Explosive Incident
- Battering
- Hitting
- Slapping
- Kicking
- Strangling
- Use of objects or weapons
- Verbal threats and abuse
- Honeymoon Stage
- Calm
- May deny violence
- May apologize
- May make promises
Characteristics of a Batterer
Batterers are found in all socio-economc levels; in all educational, racial, and age groups.
- Poor impulse control, explosive temper
- Very “now” oriented
- Insatiable ego
- Low self-esteem
- Frequent promises for change
- Accusations against mate, jealously, great fear of abandonment or being “cheated on”
- Accepts no blame for failures
- Generational history of family violence
- Threatens homicide and/or suicide, and may attempt one or both when partner separates
- Increase in assaultive behavior when mate is pregnant (batterer interprets this as loss of attention and control)
- Cruelty to children and animals
- Rigid sex roles
- Controlling behaviors