The Cycle of Violence

Phase 1:  The Tension Building Stage

The batterer becomes agitated.  The victim tries to calm the perpetrator by becoming nurturing and compliant (i.e., anticipating his every whim or staying out of his way).  The victim tolerates the abusiveness which she believes is directed at her for legitimate reasons.  Victims often believe that they can prevent the anger from escalating.  

Victims accept responsibility for the abusive behavior by:

• not permitting themselves to get angry with the batterer;
• denying their own anger;
• minimizing the isolated incidences of violence;
• denying the terror that they feel.

Phase 2:  The Acute Battering Stage

The tension explodes, often resulting in physical injury to the victim.  The batterer justifies the abusive behavior.  If the victim resists the assault,  the perpetrator may become more violent.  Victims frequently say that the physical assault is not as difficult for them to experience as are the feelings of being trapped and hopeless.  Both parties tend to minimize the injuries.  After the incident, the victim may feel listless, depressed, helpless and guilty.  Sometimes victims will isolate themselves for a period of time before seeking help.

Phase 3:  Kindness and Contrite Loving Stage
(Honeymoon Period)

Both parties are relieved, as the tension building stage has ended and both parties have, hopefully, survived.  The perpetrator, concerned that the victim will end the relationship, tries to appease the victim by behaving in a charming and loving manner.  He may express sorrow and request forgiveness.  He promises  never to do it again and pleads with the victim to give him another chance, often reminding her how much he needs her.  In this phase batterers often agree to counseling.  The batterer's promises provide the victim hope.  The victim may be reminded of why she was originally attracted to the batterer. Some perpetrators threaten to commit suicide if the victim doesn't continue the relationship.  This third phase may last for a while, but soon minor incidents begin to occur, tension builds and the cycle starts anew.  

Based upon the work of Dr. Lenore Walker

It should be mentioned that many victims who are in long-term abusive
relationships report that they no longer experience a "Honeymoon Period."
      

Back to Dynamics Page