The women we have spoken to over the years have always been upset about the abuse they have experienced. One of the issues they raise is that there are times that they are afraid of their partner. Depending on how a perpetrator treats their partner, she may only be afraid when they act in intimidating, […]

When it comes to domestic violence, appearances are deceiving. Because victims’ resistance to abuse is often not noticed, some people assume that victims have not done enough to protect themselves. People may, therefore, believe that victims create their own misfortunes. As well, victims tend not to talk about their experiences of abuse. They may choose […]

Perpetrators of violence often try to avoid responsibility for their abusive behaviour. They may blame someone or something else. They may find excuses for their violence such as, “they were in a blind rage,” or, “they were so out of control with their anger that they did not know what they were doing.” As well, […]

Perpetrators do not believe that victims will be passive. Therefore, perpetrators think about how victims will resist their abuse, and make plans to try to stop this resistance. For example, bullies do not pick on children who are bigger and stronger than they are. Bank robbers assume that tellers will resist, so they make plans […]