Family Crisis Center | Cycle of Violence

Domestic Violence

CYCLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Abusive relationships are often characterized by a repeated cycle that takes place. The cycle is a three-part cycle that may take place over a period of days, weeks, or even months. The cycle includes the tension-building phase, the violent episode phase, and finally the honeymoon phase.

During the tension-building phase there is usually a breakdown in communication and stress, and tension builds. Often victims liken this phase to the feeling of walking on eggshells. This phase can last anywhere from hours, to days, to weeks, to months.

The violent episode phase follows the tension-building phase. During the violent episode the victim is assaulted physically, emotionally or sexually. This phase is also described as the acute battering stage.

The honeymoon phase completes the cycle of violence. This phase generally follows the violent episode and is characterized by apologies by the batterer, tears and promises to change, and gifts of flowers or candy. At this point the batterer returns to being the person the victim fell in love with. It is this particular phase of the cycle that keeps victims involved in the cycle of violence. The victim often feels pulled to give the batterer another chance and may accept the promises and gifts as a sincere apology or as true remorse. However, the honeymoon phase also lasts only a few days to a few months until the tension begins to build again. As the tension again begins to mount, the cycle begins to repeat itself.


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Giving Opportunities Domestic Violence Definition Types of DV Cycle of Violence Someone You Know Children Sexual Assault Volunteering Services About Us Melissa's Hope Chest	Domestic Violence CYCLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Abusive relationships are often characterized by a repeated cycle that takes place. The cycle is a three-part cycle that may take place over a period of days, weeks, or even months. The cycle includes the tension-building phase, the violent episode phase, and finally the honeymoon phase. During the tension-building phase there is usually a breakdown in communication and stress, and tension builds. Often victims liken this phase to the feeling of walking on eggshells. This phase can last anywhere from hours, to days, to weeks, to months. The violent episode phase follows the tension-building phase. During the violent episode the victim is assaulted physically, emotionally or sexually. This phase is also described as the acute battering stage. The honeymoon phase completes the cycle of violence. This phase generally follows the violent episode and is characterized by apologies by the batterer, tears and promises to change, and gifts of flowers or candy. At this point the batterer returns to being the person the victim fell in love with. It is this particular phase of the cycle that keeps victims involved in the cycle of violence. The victim often feels pulled to give the batterer another chance and may accept the promises and gifts as a sincere apology or as true remorse. However, the honeymoon phase also lasts only a few days to a few months until the tension begins to build again. As the tension again begins to mount, the cycle begins to repeat itself.