NQUIZTIVE1@... asked this question on 3/22/2000:

A couple I know is in a relationship for three months. During an argument he became physical. He shoved her and slapped her across the face. Afterwards he cried, apologized, and promised never to do it again. How likely is it that he will hit her again?

Thank you in advance.

StandingBare gave this response on 3/27/2000:

The static's say he will hit her again. Violence is about the desperate need for power and control used by people who feel out of control. Offenders always say they are sorry but usually cannot maintain a non- abusive manner.

Violence and abuse are about a deeper problem that can be healed if proper counseling is received by the offender. It is not abused problem or fault.

All acts of violence are to be taken seriously. Once is more than enough. She needs to seek counseling to help assess her level of danger and to get support in dealing with this. All communities have domestic violence hotlines which are confidential. They are listed in the yellow pages. There is also a DV national hotline.

Domestic violence is against the law. If she feels she is immediate danger she should call 911.

The average rating for this answer is 5.

NQUIZTIVE1@... rated this answer a 5.