Why Does He Do That?

Outline

Why Does He Do That? (2002) explains the thinking behind controlling and abusive behaviour in relationships. Drawing on years of working directly with abusive men, Lundy Bancroft shows that abuse comes from attitudes of control and entitlement rather than from anger or stress, and describes the warning signs to watch for. The book helps readers recognise unhealthy patterns, protect themselves, and understand when real change is and is not possible.

• Abusive behaviour in a relationship comes from attitudes of control and entitlement, not from anger or stress.
• The author draws on years of working directly with abusive men to explain how they think.
• The book describes specific warning signs of abuse that readers can watch for.
• Learning to recognise unhealthy patterns is the first step toward protecting your emotional and physical well-being.
• Real change in an abusive partner is sometimes possible and sometimes not, and the book helps you tell which.

Lundy Bancroft is an American author, counsellor, and consultant who specialises in domestic abuse and its effects on families. For many years he led intervention programmes for abusive men and worked as an evaluator in custody cases. His books include Why Does He Do That?, When Dad Hurts Mom, and Should I Stay or Should I Go?