CAUSES OF ABUSE

Abstract

Abusive relationships are repeated acts of psychological and physical violence
against a partner in the role of victim. They occur in marital, parent-child, and sibling relationships. The general pattern is the exercise of power, control, and humiliation. Abuse manifests itself in a variety of ways: beatings, threats, blackmail, and restrictions on freedom. Diagnosis is conducted through interviews and psychological testing. Treatment is achieved through psychotherapy, with cognitive-behavioral methods being
the most common.