Abuse Quote by Lundy Bancroft
““THE MYTHS ABOUT ABUSERS 1. He was abused as a child. 2. His previous partner hurt him. 3. He abuses those he loves the most. 4. He holds in his feelings too much. 5. He has an aggressive personality. 6. He loses control. 7. He is too angry. 8. He is mentally ill. 9. He hates women. 10. He is afraid of intimacy and abandonment. 11. He has low self-esteem. 12. His boss mistreats him. 13. He has poor skills in communication and conflict resolution. 14. There are as many abusive women as abusive men. 15. His abusiveness is as bad for him as for his partner. 16. He is a victim of racism. 17. He abuses alcohol or drugs.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft, 2002
The list challenges common myths about abusers, showing that abusive behavior stems from complex personal and social factors rather than simple stereotypes.
In simple terms: Abusers are not defined by a single cause; many myths oversimplify.
Recognize the complexity of abuse and avoid oversimplified judgments.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- counseling sessions
- relationship education
- legal proceedings
- support groups
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do these myths affect victim support?
- What interventions address the underlying complexities?
Some myths may still hold partial truth for specific cases, requiring nuanced assessment.