The
Cycle of Abuse
There are four
typical stages including (mouseover the links to see a description):
- Tension
Building phase
- Incident or "Acting
Out" phase
- "Honeymoon" or
Reconciliation phase
- Calm before
the tension starts again
This cycle is different
in each abusive relationship. In some cases a relationship may take
hours or up to a week to complete the cycle. For other relationships,
it may take a month, or it may even take a year or more for a relationship
to complete the cycle. As the relationship continues, the Calm and
Honeymoon stages may even disappear. It is important to note that
not all domestic violence relationships fit the cycle. Usually the
cycle is completed faster as the relationship progresses - meaning
the quiet and loving times are less frequent and the abuse returns
more rapidly and lasts longer. Over time, serious injuries to the
victim will often escalate as well as the frequency of the abuses
and battering. |
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Many people mistakenly
believe
that the term "domestic violence" only means physical abuse or assaults. Physical
abuse is only one part of a system of abusive behaviors. The wheel on the left
is commonly used by domestic violence prevention agencies, support programs and
shelters to explain what characterizes abusive relationships. Run your mouse
over each part of the wheel to see a description of how each characteristic is
used as a way to control or gain power. For a printable version, click
here.