In the United States, 28 percent of women are abused by their partners, estimates UNICEF. In some cases, the women begin to believe that the battery is their fault, but this is not the case. Those who abuse their spouses are usually looking for a sense of control, deeply jealous, suffering from stressful conditions or believing they are doing what's best. To understand abuse, you must first understand what ultimately causes it--not the misbehavior of a partner, but a deeply rooted values system that is skewed.
Environment and Upbringing
Some are only a product of their own pasts, notes the PBS documentary "No Safe Place." Those who were raised in an environment where abuse was the rule are more likely to abuse their own spouses. They are raised to believe that it is acceptable behavior and may not even feel remorse, because abuse and violence is simply part of how they were brought up. When environment or upbringing is the cause of the spousal abuse, therapy must be used to break the spouse of the violent habit.
Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem often perpetuates a vicious cycle of spousal abuse. Someone with low self-esteem may not think themselves worthy of a relationship. In turn, this unworthiness can become insecurity and jealousy, and the cause of spousal abuse. Spousal abuse makes the abuser feel powerful, more in control and stronger, bolstering her low self-esteem.
Alcohol Abuse
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs can exacerbate a problem of spousal abuse. When taking drugs or alcohol, the abusers resolve and impulse control is weakened, notes Psych Central. Some drugs can even make users feel more violent than usual or become angry. Abusers should avoid all alcohol and drug use to take control of their abusive ways.
Economic Status and Stress
Economic status and stress level can contribute to a cause of spousal abuse, notes UNICEF. Not only can stress from a lack of money result in spousal abuse, but some women are more prone to abuse because they have a low economic status and fear life on their own. A woman with no educational training may not believe that she can make it without her spouse, and so she allows the abuse to continue.
Religion
The Canadian Medical Association Journal notes that sometimes, abusers will use extreme religious views as a cause or excuse to abuse their spouses. In some countries, including Jordan, Afghanistan and even Egypt, a woman can be killed to preserve her family's honor if she has done something that they deem to be dishonorable. This is done with little legal action, as it is a precept of some extreme Islamic belief systems.
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