Alternatives to Domestic Violence

• They enjoy being abused.
• They could leave if they wanted to.
• They provoke the abuse by nagging.
• If they defended themselves, the violence would stop.
• If they leave or file for divorce, the abuse will stop.
• They are all minorities.
• They are all crazy.
• The police can protect them.
• Pregnant women are not battered.
• Once battered, they will seek other abusive relationships.

• They are always provoked.
• They would stop abusing if they were financially secure.
• They are always drunk/on drugs when they batter.
• They will stop battering if they are arrested.
• Religious man/women do not batter.
• If they are violent in the home, they are violent to everyone.
• The violence will stop once they are married.

Batters have learned that violence is an appropriate way to deal with anger and an appropriate way to problem-solve.