Batterers may be difficult to identify because they can be found in all social and demographic groups. They come from all walks of life, all professions, and all educational backgrounds. The vast majority of men who batter are not mentally ill. Their intent is not to inflict pain, but to cause fear and intimidation in order to gain and maintain power and control over their partners. Batters abuse their partners because they choose to do so. Outside circumstances (stress, alcohol, unemployment, the kids, the weather, drugs, etc.) do not trigger behavior or cause them to be violent. A batterer abuses to maintain power and control over his/her partner. The majority of the time - batterers don't know why they do it or they remain in denial and continue to blame the victim. Batterers do have problems but it doesn't give them the right to do what they do. There is no reason that constitutes the hurt and damage that is done in an abusive relationship. Abuse is against the law. Batterers batter and use power and control tactics because: *They have learned to do it. *It works. *They can. In order for batterers to stop, they will have to: *Learn differently. *Be held accountable and not get away with it.