Root Causes for Abuse

Abuse presents itself in many forms such as sexual abuse, child abuse and domestic abuse. The root causes of abuse vary depending on the people involved with the abuse. According to the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse, abuse occurs with women every 9 seconds in the United States. Although women and children tend to be on the forefront of abuse victims, verbal, emotional and physical abuse can also happen to men. Understanding what causes people to abuse may allow abusers to get help and prevent further abuse.

Anger

• Someone who exhibits anger signs early in life may abuse those around them, according to the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. If a person responds aggressively to general situations, abusing others may provide an outlet for the anger. A person exhibits aggressive behavior by verbally attacking others, getting upset over seemingly small events and putting people down on a regular basis. When someone exhibits these signs at a young age, obtaining anger management will help him learn how to control his behaviors so that his anger does not turn into consistent abuse.

Poor Childhood

• A difficult childhood background may make it difficult for people to control their emotions, according to Oregon State University Extension Service. If a person was abused by his parents, the likelihood of him participating in abusive behavior is high. If an abused child establishes a support system of mentors and role models as he gets older, he is less likely to participate in abuse.

Resentment

• A person who feels resentment toward another person may participate in abuse. Verbal abuse consists of calling names, putting down a person and manipulation. If a parent has resentment toward her partner for not being around for a child, the parent may take this resentment out through verbal or physical abuse of the child. Likewise, if a spouse feels resentment toward the other spouse, this may result in abuse.

Discipline Method

• If a parent learned a harsh method of discipline when he was a child, he may present this method of discipline to his children. Discipline that includes harsh punishment may blur the lines of abuse, according to Oregon State University Extension Service. These harsh tactics could include using an object for spankings, excessively yelling/name calling and extensive time in room without food. Taking parenting classes will help the parent establish positive discipline tactics.