Characteristics of Abused Persons

Although it is generally agreed that there is no specific ‘type’ of person who is more likely to be abused, there are general characteristics which people in an abusive situation tend to have in common.

• Low self esteem
• Emotional and economic dependency
• Continued faith and hope abuser will "grow up"
• Depression
• Stress disorders and/or psychosomatic complaints
• Accepts blame and guilt for violence
• Socially isolated, eg avoids social interaction, never seems to be alone
• Believes social myths about battering
• Believes in stereotypical sex roles
• Has poor self image
• Contemplates or attempts suicide, or self-harms
• Participation in pecking-order battering
• Appears nervous or anxious
• May defend any criticism of abuser
• May have repeatedly left, or considered leaving the relationship

Although the above list is not exhaustive and may not always indicate an abusive relationship, many victims of abuse show many of these behaviours and attitudes or change in some other, subtle way.

Research would also seem to indicate that victims of domestic violence have a higher incidence of alcohol or drug abuse than non-victims. According to Stark & Flitcraft (1996) women who experience domestic violence are 15 times more likely to have alcohol dependency and 9 times more likely to have a drug problem than women not experiencing domestic violence. Rates of misuse of both increase after the first violent episode. According to the British Crime Survey self-completion
questionnaire: Home Office Research Study 191, the risk of suffering domestic violence is also increased with increased alcohol consumption for both male and female victims.

If you recognise yourself, a family member or a friend in the above, please consider the possiblity that abuse may be taking place, seek further information on domestic abuse and consider calling a helpline.

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