Why do Batterers Batter?

There is no simple answer to the question "Why do people batter their partners?" There are several bodies of thought and research which support somewhat different perspectives on this question. The focus of each is briefly described below.

The Feminist perspective focuses on the role of power with particular attention on how society reinforces power dynamics within intimate relationships.

From this perspective, abuse of an intimate partner is directed to control and to dominate the victim, reproducing wider patriarchal systems of power and authority. Domestic violence in same-sex relationships is also abuse of power and an effort at control, but the source of the power is not one's gender.

Without necessarily disregarding the feminist view, some experts understand perpetrators' behaviors in terms of psychological disorders. This perspective moves the focus of attention from the social to the individual level, arguing that domestic violence arises from the character flaws, personality disorders, and childhood experiences of perpetrators.

Another perspective uses social learning theory to explain batterers' behavior. Not only is controlling and abusive behavior modeled in homes and in media, but also the rewards gained for the batterer may outweigh the costs.

Some family systems theorists see abusive behavior as a sign of dysfunctional family interaction patterns to which not only the perpetrators, but also their partners, contribute. Currently, many practitioners question this view, as it tends to transfer some responsibility from the perpetrator to the victim and disregard the larger social context.

There is no simple answer to the question, "why?" and there is no easy "cure."It is clear that abuse in an intimate relationship can become a repetitive and often escalating pattern, sometimes in spite of the batterer's apologies and promises to reform.

While there remains significant debate concerning the root to batterers' abusive behavior, it is clear that such violence often becomes a repetitive and escalating pattern without intervention.