MYTH: ALCOHOL ABUSE CAUSES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

FACT: Although there is a high association between alcohol, or other substance abuse, and abuse, it is not a causal relationship. Abusers may use drinking as a way to avoid taking responsibility for their abusive actions. Both domestic abuse and substance abuse need to be addressed separately as independent problems.

Myth: HE/SHE HITS YOU BECAUSE YOU PROVOKE HIM/HER

FACT: No one causes a violent reaction in another. People are responsible for their own reaction to different situations. Violence is an excuse used by some men and women to silence their partners.

Myth: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS A “LOSS OF CONTROL"

FACT: Violence behavior is a choice. Perpetrators use it to control their victims. Domestic violence is about batterers using their control, not losing their control.