Domestic abuse
Do abusers attack when they lose control?
Domestic abuse is about gaining control, not a lack of control. If a perpetrator chooses when, where and to whom they are abusive, then they have enough awareness and knowledge about their actions to indicate they are not 'out of control'.
Can mental illness cause domestic abuse?
The vast majority of people with mental health problems do not abuse other people. If a person is violent or abusive randomly and unpredictably, for instance towards strangers, men as well as women, in public as well as private, then mental illness is likely to be a factor. In these instances professional care is urgently required.
Do women choose abusive men?
Men who go on to become abusive often don’t show this type of behaviour until the relationship is well established. For many women, the abuse does not start until their first pregnancy.
Over half of all women who experience domestic abuse say that the first incident didn’t happen until after one year or more. Only six per cent of women reported abuse happening within the first month.