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working to end domestic violence in our community |
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The Cycle of Violence |
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If you are in need of assistance, please call our 24-hour hotline at: (434) 293-8509 V/TTY Collect calls accepted If this is an emergency, please call 911 Si esto es una emergencia, llama por favor 911 |
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What is Domestic Violence | Safety Planning | Shelter Services | Shelter Activities | Ways You Can Help | Links to Community Resources | Links to Domestic Violence Resources |
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The cycle of violence is a tool developed by researcher Lenore Walker in her book The Battered Woman. Walker created this tool to describe the battering cycle. On average, about 1/3 of domestic violence victims can identify with this cycle. Examining the cycle of violence reveals the complexity and intermingling of abuse with loving behaviors. It helps those who have never experienced domestic violence understand that breaking the cycle of violence is much more complicated than just "getting out" or leaving. Without intervention, the frequency and severity of the abuse tends to increase, spiraling the couple downward in the cycle of abuse. |
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Tension Phase May last for weeks and months Stress builds during this stage Communication breaks down Victim senses growing danger, tries to avoid "Minor" violence/abuse occurs Incidents occur more often, intensity increases Family denies, minimizes, blames external factors Hopes "somehow" things will change |
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During the Tension Phase, the victim often feels like they are walking on eggshells. |
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Crisis Phase May last 2-24 hours, or a few days Anxiety extremely high Major, uncontrolled violence occurs Explosive, acute, unpredictable May be serious injuries, death Abuser blames victim Victim accommodates in order to survive Victim may escape, returns when crisis is over Victim may isolate, collapse emotionally |
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In the Crisis Phase, the abuser often just snaps. |
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Calm Phase May last for days or weeks Whole family in shock at first Abuser may be extremely remorseful, seeks forgiveness All are relieved that crisis is past Victim worn down, accepts promises, presents Children become caretakers to "keep the peace" Abuser may display kind, loving behavior Family welcomes this "honeymoon" stage Symbiotic bonding reinforced Family wants to believe that violence won't recur Survival via denial and negotiation |
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The abuser often showers the victim with apologies and false promises during the Calm Phase. |
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If you feel trapped in the cycle of violence, please contact us. We know how to help. |