How might abusers typically present themselves to others?

Abusers often present themselves as victims of their circumstances to manipulate perceptions and garner sympathy from others. This tactic serves several purposes: it deflects attention away from their abusive behavior, creates confusion about their role in the situation, and allows them to escape accountability. By portraying themselves as victims, they aim to elicit compassion and support from friends, family, and even authority figures, making it harder for others to recognize their abusive patterns. This behavior is rooted in a desire to maintain power and control while avoiding the stigma associated with being an abuser.

The other options suggest a straightforward acknowledgment of abusive behavior or a lack of emotional engagement that does not typically align with the manipulative strategies employed by abusers. Most abusers consciously work to hide their true nature, opting instead for a façade that disguises their intentions.