Facts/Statistics

15 Warning Signs of a battering Personality *

1. Quick Involvement

Comes on strong, claiming, “I’ve never felt loved like this by any one.” Pressures you for an exclusive commitment almost immediately.

2. Jealousy

Extremely possessive, calls constantly, or visits unexpectedly.

3. Controlling Behavior

Interrogates you intensely about whom you talked to and where you were, checks mileage on your car, keeps all the money, insists you ask for permission go anywhere or do anything.

4. Unrealistic Expectations

Expects you to be perfect and meet their every need.

5. Isolation

Tries to cut you off from family and friends; deprives you of a phone or car; tries to prevent you from holding a job.

6. Blames Others for Problems

It’s always someone else’s fault-the boss, their parents, you-if anything goes wrong. Everyone is out to get them.

7. Blames Others for Feelings

Always saying, “You’re hurting me by not doing what I tell you” or “You make me angry” instead of “I’m angry”.

8. Hypersensitivity

Is easily insulted. They’ll rant about injustices that are part of life.

9. Cruelty to Animals and Children

Kills or punishes animals brutally. Also, may expect children to do things way beyond their ability, or tease them until they cry.

10. Playful use of Force During Sex

Enjoys throwing you down or holding you down against your will during sex says they find the idea of rape exciting.

11. Verbal Abuse

Constantly criticizes you or says cruel things; degrades, curses, calls you ugly names.

12. Rigid Sex Roles

Expects you to serve, obey, and remain at home.

13. Sudden Mood Swings

Switches from sweet and loving to explosively violent in a matter of minutes.

14. Past Battering

Admits to hitting women or other partners in the past but says the other person or the situation caused it.

15. Threats of Violence

Makes statements such as “I’ll break your neck,” then says, “I didn’t really mean it.”

*source: Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the project for victims of Family Violence, Fayetteville, Arkansas.