Cycle of Violence

Most abusive relationships follow a cycle, after each physically abusive incident. For example, a "honeymoon" / apology phase follows.  Soon after, there is a slow build-up of tension that leads to another incident, and the cycle starts all over again. The graphic below details this cycle. Cycles tend to get shorter and shorter as time goes by. In some cases, the "honeymoon" phase disappears completely.

Click here to view the cycle of violence graphic (96K)