15 Warning Signs Of A Battering Personality

If your spouse or boyfriend displays a combination of these behaviors, he may be a potential batterer:

1. QUICK INVOLVEMENT:
Comes on strong, claiming, “I’ve never felt loved like this by
anyone.” He pressures you into an exclusive commitment
almost immediately.

2. JEALSOUSY:
Excessively possessive, calls constantly, or visits
unexpectedly.

3. CONTROLLING BEHAVIOR:
Interrogates you intensely about whom you talked to and
where you are, checks mileage on your car; keeps all the
money; requests you ask permission to go anywhere or do
anything.

4. UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS:
Expects you to be the perfect woman and to meet his every need

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

6. BLAMES OTHERS FOR PROBLEMS:
The boss, your to blame, always someone else’s fault if any-
thing goes wrong. Everyone is out to get him.

7. BLAMES OTHERS FOR HIS FEELINGS:
He says, “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. He’ll rant about injustices that are just part
of life.

9. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS & CHILDREN:
Kills or punishes animals brutally. Also, may expect
children to do things way beyond their ability, or will 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 he finds 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 hitting women in the past but says the situation
brought it on.

15. THREATS OF VIOLENCE:
Makes statements such as “I’ll break your neck,” then
dismisses them with, “I really didn’t mean it.”

If it’s come this far, it’s time to get help or get out. For more information, contact your local law enforcement agency or contact

The Crisis Center of Taney County
PO Box 282
Branson, MO 65615
Office: 417-561-5105    24 Hour Hotline: 866-379-0074

“15 Warning Signs of a Battering Spouse” adapted from the Project for Victims of Family Violence, Fayetteville, Arkansas.