Profile of a Woman in an Abusive Relationship Women in abusive relationships often have common characteristics and beliefs. She will often: blame herself and take responsibility for the abusive behaviour of her partner; believe her actions cause the abuse, and, in some way, excuse the abusive actions tend to be passive rather than assertive in her interpersonal relationships be socially isolated by her partner and lack substantial support networks of friends or relatives tend to "give in" as a way to survive have low self-esteem; see herself as incompetent, unworthy, unlovable and may be ridden with guilt and shame; believe if she had "gotten it right", the abuse would not be occurring tend to feel depressed and/or have suicidal thoughts or behaviours have injuries which do not match the explanation she gives be economically and emotionally dependent upon her partner be deeply concerned about her children's welfare and support; and will frequently remain in the relationship because "children need a father" believe her partner will change because he isn't always violent, and is sometimes loving and kind tend to minimize the violence as a way of coping with the pain in her life prolonged use of drugs such as tranquillizers, antidepressants the intermittent or continual presence of stress reaction such as tension, hyperactivity, headaches, insomnia, pain in the back, chest or stomach Adapted from: Transition House Association, Prince Edward Island, April 13, 2000