1. Recognize that you have a problem and it will 
   get worse if you don't do something about it.  

2. Take responsibility for your own actions.  
   Violence is never okay or justifiable. Violence 
   is against the law so be aware of your actions. 
   Your girlfriend does not make you hit her.  
   Being angry,  frustrated or jealous does not 
   justify violence. No one is ever justified in 
   hurting someone else to get their way.

3. Getting angry or being jealous does not make 
   you a "bad" person, just someone who needs to 
   stop a "bad" behaviour.  How you deal with 
   anger and communication with others is a choice. 
   Learn ways to deal with your anger and to 
   communicate.

4. Feeling sorry and apologizing is not enough. 
   Admit that you need help and get support to 
   help you change your behaviour.  The 
   responsibility for the violence 
   lies with you.

5. Do not try to solve this problem alone. 
   Change is easier when you have help and 
   support.

6. You may be breaking the law with your abusive 
   behaviour. Physical violence and threats of 
   violence are crimes.  You will face fines or 
   imprisonment or both if you are convicted of 
   assault.

7. Abusive behaviour can be unlearned. It is 
   never too late to change your behaviour. 

8. Alcohol and drugs are not an excuse for abusive 
   behaviour. Drinking alcohol or using drugs does 
   not make you hurt someone even though they may 
   cause you to change the way you view situations.