One school of thought is that domestic or intimate partner violence is due to a need for power and control on the part of one person over the other. Most often it is the man over a woman but the reverse can be true. As well, domestic violence is also seen in same sex partnerships. That would lead us to conclude that the issue is not a gender issue but rather a relationship issue.
There can be a number of factors that lead an individual to need to dominate in a relationship. It could be that as a child it is the only dynamic they saw between their parents and therefore think that abusive power and control is normal. It could be due to deep-seated feelings of inadequacy that demand control over every aspect of life to maintain their sense of self. Whatever the reason, it is unhealthy and unacceptable.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.