Profile of a Battered Woman

Do the following traits sound like you? If so, you may need help in abandoning an abusive relationship or protecting yourself from becoming involved in one.

I have low self-esteem.

I have traditional family values and believe in the feminine sex-role stereotype that women should be dominated by men, and are the weaker sex.

I use sex to establish intimacy with my mate so that he won't hurt me.

I don't believe that anyone can help me solve my problem.

I believe the myths about battering relationships.

I feel that I deserve to be battered because of my faults or behavior.

I feel guilty, but deny terror and anger at my mate.

I'm passive, but can manipulate my mate at times into being sweet to me or at least not hurting me.