Someone watching?
Hit the ESC key at any time to hide this site. Privacy Tips
Call 1-844-762-8483
7NATIVE

Or Text 24/7

If you send a text, you will immediately receive a response notification that you will be texted back from a secondary number.
Standard text rates may apply.
Your information will be kept anonymous and confidential.

The Myth of Mutual Abuse

TRIGGER WARNING: This blog includes graphic content that some readers may find distressing.

Victim-survivors can experience a variety of emotions, but one surprising feeling may be responsibility. While we know no one is to blame for the abuse they experience, many abusive tactics manipulate victims into feeling responsible for the abuse they endure. A victim-survivor experiences abusive tactics at the hands of their partner to get and keep power and control over them. As the victim lacks control in the relationship they can not be responsible for the abuse they endure. Read Michelle’s story below to learn how a sense of false responsibility can impact a victim-survivor.

Michelle’s Story

Joe and I have been together for five months. We met off-campus and clicked immediately. When we first got together, Joe could be moody, but was always good to me. He would tease me about how I need my friends’ approval, but he said he was joking. Things have changed, and I want them to go back to normal. I know there are things Joe does that aren’t okay, but I don’t know how to communicate with him because I hurt him too.

After studying last night, I bumped into my friend Sara. We decide to catch up and grab something to eat. Later, when I met Joe at his place, I told him I wasn’t very hungry because I ate earlier with Sara. He got quiet and I could tell something was wrong. I asked him what was bothering him and he flipped out and started screaming at me. He grabbed my wrists and pushed me against the wall. He started yelling about how I prioritize everything over him. He said that if I am obsessed with college life, I should leave him since he’s not in college. I lost my temper and yelled back...

I know he should never hurt me but I’ve hit him too. We are mutually abusive. Months ago, we were at my friend’s bonfire. Some guy started talking to me and Joe freaked out and said I was sneaking around as soon as he turned his back. Joe wouldn’t drop it and he dragged me away from the fire. He called me a whore and squeezed my wrist so hard I thought he was going to break it. Eventually, I pushed his hand off me and slapped him. I felt bad and I knew I crossed a line. He had never actually hit me before that incident. That’s part of why I feel like I caused how bad the situation is now. I kind of deserve what is happening.

Both Partners Cannot Have Power Over Each Other

While both Michelle and Joe behaved violently, it is important to look deeper. At StrongHearts Native Helpline we understand the term mutual abuse is a fallacy. In the story above we see Michelle blames herself for Joe’s behavior. Although Michelle slapped Joe, and that isn’t okay, she does not have the same control over Joe that he has over her. Joe’s behavior shows a pattern of abusive tactics. Not only has he physically abused Michelle, but there are also patterns of isolation, name-calling, and blaming Michelle for his behavior. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive or violent behaviors by one partner to gain and maintain power and control over the other. Both partners cannot have power over each other.


Disclaimer: The names, characters, events and incidents are fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.

supportive family supportive family

We understand.

Get Help

More Articles About domestic violence

"It is unacceptable when elders suffer abuse and neglect at the hands of those who should protect them." ~Lori Jump, CEO, StrongHearts Native Helpline.

Uncover the roots of Native American domestic, dating and sexual violence.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, StrongHearts Native Helpline is dedicated to eradicating domestic and sexual violence by utilizing a core...

Explore how the tactics of intimate partner violence for older adults may look different than other age groups.

List of behaviors that are abusive.

In most abusive relationships the tactics of an abusive partner will escalate over time.

If a violent encounter seems imminent and unavoidable, there are a few options to consider to keep you safe.

Test your knowledge about domestic violence.

Beloved pets can be used to exert power and control over a victim-survivor.

Abuse isn't always physical. Read more about the different types of abuse.

There are several types of abuse. People in abusive relationships often experience more than one type of abuse.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or economic background.

Abusive people think they have the right to control and restrict their partners.

Anyone can be in serious danger if their abusive partner has a gun.

Using alcohol can strain a relationship but it is not the cause of domestic violence.

Taking responsibility for your behavior is the first step. Change is possible, however, requires a deep commitment which many find challenging.

For Native American children who are exposed to domestic violence or even the threat of violence/abuse, there is an increased risk of psychological, social, emotional and behavioral problems.

An often overlooked group of Native American victim-survivors of domestic violence are those with disabilities.

Store the preparedness kit outside of the home either with a trusted neighbor, friend or relative or keep it in a secret location where you can safely retrieve it.

A victim-survivor can develop mental health issues like depression over the course of the relationship, putting them at greater risk for suicide.

Pregnancy can be a dangerous time for pregnant people in abusive relationships, putting them and their unborn child at heightened risk.

Around the holidays, financial abuse may look a little different. The additional stress of the holidays may affect your decisions. Financial abuse is just one tactic of domestic violence.

The end of 3G will widen the gap between higher-income and low-income individuals who can’t afford the upgrade to 5G compatible devices and other smart 5G technology.

Strangulation is one of the most serious forms of physical abuse.