Why do men hurt the women they claim to love?

Advocate Response

They misinterpret the desire to possess with passionate love. Abusers believe – consciously or unconsciously – that they have ownership rights over their partners, wives and children. They hold a deep-seated viewpoint that their “loved ones” belong to them in the same way inanimate objects belong to them. When the “object of his affection” slips from the arena of his control, an abusive man will often misinterpret and misrepresent his desire to regain control as passionate caring; love.

Nancy Gause, Director, "Circle House" Columbia, MO