Will It Happen Again?
Do past behaviors predict future abuse?
Batterers are often considered individuals who terrorize, intimidate, control and abuse their partners. And, they typically do it again and again. In fact, 31 percent of those convicted on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge were arrested again within a year of being released, according to the Center for Court Innovation, and 44 percent were arrested again within two years.
If someone has abused you or another person in the past, are they destined to repeat their actions in the future?
“The chances are high that an abuser will be abusive again, and any past history of domestic violence should be a huge red flag,” says Gretchen Shaw, NCADV associate director. “In order to change, the abuser has to consciously choose to change and take responsibility for being abusive, permanently.”