Cycle of Domestic Violence

The Cycle of Domestic Violence shows how domestic violence often becomes a pattern made up of three stages.

Tension-Building

criticism, yelling, swearing, using angry gestures, coercion, threats

physical and sexual attacks and threats

apologies, blaming, promises to change, gifts

It also explains how three dynamics, love hope and fear, keep the cycle in motion and make it hard to end a violent relationship.

keep the cycle in motion

for your partner, the relationship has its good points, it's notall bad

that it will change, the relationship didn't begin like this

that the threats to kill you or your family will become reality

Adapted from Dr. Lenore Walker's "Cycle of Violence" - Denver, CO

(Reprinted by permission of Peace At Home (formerly Battered Women Fighting Back), Boston; Ph 617-482-9497; Fax 617-482-6504)