MYTH : Anger causes violence. Some abusers claim that violence is a response to anger.
FACT: Violence is a learned behavior. Anger is a normal, human emotion, but violent actions are learned and chosen by the abuser.

MYTH: Domestic violence is consensual.
FACT: Domestic violence is NOT consensual and is not a lifestyle choice made by the victim. Many victims do attempt to leave the relationship. Victims do not knowingly choose partners who are abusive, however, many victims find it difficult to leave once controlling and abusive behavior has begun.

MYTH: Drug and/or alcohol use cause domestic violence.
FACT: Blaming external factors, such as substance abuse, is a way for an abuser to avoid accepting personal responsibility for violent behavior. Substance abuse and domestic violence are two separate problems that often occur together, but one does not cause the other.

MYTH: Stress causes domestic violence.
FACT: Stress and other external factors do not cause abuse and many abusers use personal stress to justify abusing their partners.