Many studies and reports have shown that the prevalence of women being abused by men is higher than men being abused by women. Abuse and domestic violence among women can be stopped if men also stopped hurting women, whether that would be physically or emotionally. But why do men abuse women? It is not genetics, as far as recent studies are concerned. There are various interplaying factors that contributes to developing this behaviour. Traumatic experiences are one of the biggest factors that predominantly contributes to men’s tendency to abuse women, particularly their intimate partners. A UN Multi-country study on Men and Violence in Asia and the Pacific revealed that men who have experienced abuse during their childhood, or had been raped by other men, are more likely to cause violence against women. This also includes men who suffered from work-related stress, depression, and suicidal tendencies.
Another study characterizing the personality traits of men who physically abuse women (authored by L.T. Else, et.al., 1993) reported that men who commit domestic violence may be found among a larger pool of men with poor problem-solving skills. In addition, they appear to have borderline-antisocial personality traits, certain types of hostility, and histories of abuse as children that may predispose them to become violent with their female companions.
No man wants to hurt women, but it happens. These men need help. It is a personality disorder common among men who habitually commit domestic violence. Fortunately, there are existing and current interventions and programs that can help families deal with this problem. At Family Service Toronto, the Next Step’s Program is being offered to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable for their behaviour. To do so, they are providing them the opportunity to examine their beliefs and attitudes towards domestic abuse, and to teach them learn non-abusive ways of resolving conflict. To learn more about their program, please visit their website at familyservicetoronto.org.