Examples of Abusive Behaviors l Causes of Domestic Violence l Myths about Domestic Violence l Laws Pertaining to Domestic Violence l Cycle Theory of Violence l Relationship Wheels l Facts l

Causes of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a learned behavior. An abuser has learned about violence and come to accept it through one or more of the following:

• observation
• experience and reinforcement
• culture
• family
• communities, schools, peer groups, etc.

Domestic Violence is not caused by:

• Genetics
• Alcohol/drugs
• Anger/stress
• Out of control behavior
• Behavior of the victim
• Problems in the relationship that can't be addressed in some other way.

 

Developed by Ganley, A. & Schechter, S. for Domestic Violence: A National Curriculum for Family
Preservation Practitioners. Family Violence Prevention Fund, 1995.

 

 

 

 

 

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