The Cycle of Domestic Violence

The Cycle of Violence

Domestic violence tends to follow a cycle of phases. It is important to understand that these are only models that aid our understanding. There are no rules that can assure a battered adult can depend on this to predict their safety.

--- Tension

• Tension increases; anger arises; there is blaming and arguing
• Time period may last for hours, days, weeks or months
• There is a growing sense of danger by the victim
• "Minor" violence/abuse occurs
• Family denies and minimizes occurrences hoping things will get better

Phase II --- Crisis

• Time period may last a few hours to a few days
• Anxiety extremely high
• Explosive, acute, unpredictable behavior
• Major, uncontrolled violence occurs
• May be serious injuries, death
• The abuser blames the victim
• The victim sometimes leaves, but often returns when the crisis is over
• Victim may isolate, collapse emotionally

Phase III --- "Honeymoon" or Calm Phase

• The batterer may deny the violence or make excuses for the behavior, apologize and promise not to do it again
• Time period may last for days or weeks
• The victim is worn down, tired and accepts the promises for change
• Abuser may display kind, loving behavior
• Survivial via denial and negotiation
• Children attempt to become the peacemakers