Who Are the Abusers? People who abuse come from all class backgrounds, races, and religions. There is no “typical” abuser. People who abuse may: Fear losing control Have stereotypical ideas about how people in a relationship should act Have low self-esteem Keep to themselves Have a history of family alcohol or drug abuse Have witnessed violence between their parents or were abused as a child Have poor relationships with partners or family members Act extremely jealous and possessive Have controlling behavior Are quick to get involved in the relationship Have unrealistic expectations for their relationships Blame others for their own problems or for uncontrollable events Act cruelly to animals or children Act verbally abusive Have abused former partners Threaten to use violence Use force during an argument Not take responsibility for their actions For additional domestic violence information: Domestic Violence Unit Police Headquarters 300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room 3156 Washington, DC Phone: (202) 727-7137 Fax: (202) 727-6491