The profile of the abuser and assistance to victims of domestic violence (using the example of the USA)

The article describes the phenomenon of abusive behavior based on the research of American psychologists. Determining the relevance of the topic, the author provides links to disappointing statistical indicators for victims of domestic violence and indicates that, mostly, women and children become such victims. The paper provides links to well-known American researchers in the field of abusive behavior. It is shown that thanks to their research, the nature of abusive behavior, the main causes of its occurrence were described, the psychological features of the abuser were identified and his psychological profile was compiled. Based on research in the field of abusive behavior and describing the abuser as a person who seeks to gain and strengthen his power over the victim, various forms of such behavior are considered, including the "dark triad" as a deviant component of emotional intelligence (non-clinical narcissism, nonclinical psychopathy and Machiavellianism) and sadism. Based on the analyzed information, the article presents a psychological portrait of the abuser based on some deviations of his behavior. The article also provides an overview of the comprehensive experience that has been accumulated in the United States to solve problems with domestic violence, and measures related to providing psychological assistance to victims of such violence

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