A new University of Missouri study shows women who witness abuse in childhood are more likely to be involved in abusive relationships as adults.
We talked to the director of Jefferson City's Rape and Abuse Crisis Service.
Linda also counsels abused women every day.
She said, "we learn what we have lived, and if that's what they have lived in, they will either see it as a way to be in control and a way to be an abuser, or else they have that learned helplessness".
The new MU study from the School of Social Work is trying to help her clients overcome abusive pasts.
It found mothers who worked full-time were more likely to break the cycle of violence and live more productive lives.
Linda said if moms aren't able to overcome the adversity then the cycle likely will continue, "we see the effects on the children, as well as the children we work with, and also I've been here long enough I've been able to see it through generations because I have not only worked with the mother but I'm able to work with a daughter as they grow up and we see the continued effects if that hasn't been addressed in some way".
Linda thinks the study was right on when talking about how to break the cycle of abuse.
The study says if abused women can be empowered with job training, it will give them independence and set an example for future generations.
A new MU study shows that women who witness abuse in childhood are more likely to be involved in abusive relationships as adults.
Original Story:
Tell us what you think, do think abuse is learned? How do you think the cycle could be broken? Our Facebook story of the day takes a look at the study and talks to a local counselor to find out what she thinks.
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