Is DV Abuse a Learned Behavior?

Domestic Violence refers to repetitive acts of brutality that you might face in the confines of your home or your internal circle. These might be physical, emotional, or even economic in nature. Aftermaths of such abuse are often traumatizing since it is caused by an intimate partner or a familiar face.

Although many factors may lead to one becoming an offender, studies suggest that DV is a learned behavior. It can arise due to a childhood traumatic event –such as witnessing constant acts of cruelty and mistreatment. Often, the violators themselves have been a victim of domestic assault in the past. Hence, they tend to be controlling and resort to maltreatment to gain power over the victim.

Yet, it is a choice, and hurting others depends solely on the individual. Various cultural elements and societal factors can influence the abuser’s mind. There seems to be a popular opinion that drugs and alcohol induce violent behavior, but it is integral to note that they alone do not cause an assault.

A Quick Definition

Before moving on further to understand what characterizes abusive behavior, we must understand what DV is.

Domestic violence is known as any pattern of abusive actions, intimidation, and threats that may be used to inflict pain or gain control over a familial relationship or an intimate partner. Although DV is prevalent among couples, this act can also occur between other family members.

Abusive behavior can have considerable effects on the victim and the witnesses – especially on children who are prone to follow whatever they see. Repetitive family violence can normalize assault, leading to them becoming the next generation of wrongdoers. It is crucial to note that the victims can belong to any racial, socioeconomic or ethnic group.

To get a sense of domination, the offender might find various ways to manipulate and control you. Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out if your partner is mistreating you. Read on to find out more about the types of abusive relationships.

The Different Types

There are several types of intimate partner abuse. Sometimes, it might get tricky to determine if you are in a manipulative relationship. Your spouse or family members may use any of the following to maintain control over the relationship you share with them.

• Physical: Your partner may try to hurt you by physically attacking you. This can involve pushing, strangling, and hitting, among other actions. Physical assault constitutes any act that puts you in immediate danger of getting hurt. They may resort to withholding your personal needs such as housing, food, or even medical treatments. Threatening you with dangerous weapons and forcing you to consume drugs or alcohol are other forms of physical assault that you might face.
• Sexual: To gain a sense of control, the violator may try to force you into nonconsensual acts. Forceful sex, assault on body parts, and infidelity are a few forms of sexual abuse. Your partner may try to demean your body and exploit it to obtain a sense of domination.
• Emotional: This type of assault includes controlling the other person through criticism and blame. If your partner often bullies you and disregards your opinions, you might be a victim of emotional assault. Jealousy, making irrational demands, being dismissive about your feelings, and denying facts are specific ways your partner might manipulate you.
• Economic: This occurs when your partner controls all your income and spending. They have access to all your bank accounts and financial resources and misuse them to make you economically dependent on them. Your partner might limit you from working, steal all your savings, or control what you buy to restrict your freedom.
• Digital: This form of manipulation occurs when your partner tries to threaten you through technology. They may utilize social media or GPS to track your whereabouts. Signs of digital assault also include stalking, continuously calling, and reading through private conversations. Your partner might force you into sending explicit pictures of yourself through the internet as well.

What Causes It?

There are multiple risk factors for violent demeanor. It is important to note that it is always the perpetrator’s choice to inflict pain on the victim. Never blame yourself for your partner’s actions. Although they may guilt trip you into believing it is your fault, it is important to understand that their attitude stems from an urgent need for control.

Researchers have time and again suggested that domestic abuse is learned. Children who grow up in unstable home environments may think that causing grief is a natural way to resolve a conflict. Victims themselves might exploit others to establish a sense of power.

Perpetrators may feel a sense of insecurity and neglect, leading to them performing acts of misconduct. Often, offenders tend to have a dominating effect on the victim. Personality disorders, cultural ideologies, and anger issues are certainly other factors that might augment such acts.

Am I Being Abused?

It is not an easy task to identify the signs of DV or harmful actions. Violence can show up in any form, be it physical or financial. Here are some warning signs or red flags to look out for if you feel like you are stuck in a manipulative relationship:

• Physical: You are physically assaulted. Your partner might try to beat you, suffocate you, or punish you. They might mishandle you or engage in rough play. Necessities such as food, bedding, or water might be withheld from you. You may often be coerced into taking substances.
• Emotional: Your partner does not value you and often criticizes your actions and beliefs. You may receive no forms of affection and are a victim of constant bickering. Your partner showcases intense signs of jealousy and threatens you if you try to go against them.
• Verbal: You are verbally assaulted when your partner uses insensitive slurs, belittles you, or calls you names. They shower you with insults and demean you in front of others.
• Sexual: If your partner forces you into sexual acts, engages in infidelity, and inflicts harm on you during moments of intimacy, then you might be a victim of sexual misconduct.
• Financial: Here, the money ceases to be your own. Your partner controls your financial resources, and they issue limitations on your spending. You might not be allowed to work to have a regular income stream.

Indicating any of these signs in your partner’s attitude might mean that you are a victim of domestic assault and aggressive behavior and may need immediate assistance or help.

Seek Help From a Trusted Provider with Docvita Today

If you have been suffering from the dire effects of such assault, it might be time for you to consider seeking help from a trusted therapist. We at DocVita have a range of specialists from various fields that can help you on your journey to betterment. All you need to do is check out DocVita’s “book a therapist” page and schedule a session today!