Week 5: Discussion, Summary & Reflection

Domestic Violence Resources: The Cycle of Violence

PHASE ONE:

Tension Building

PHASE THREE:

Honeymoon Period

PHASE TWO:

Abusive Incident

THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE

Phase One: Tension Building

Phase Two: Abusive Incident

Phase Three: Honeymoon Period

Batterer experiences increased tension

Batterer unpredictable; believes he is losing control

Batterer is loving, apologetic and attentive

Victim minimizes problems Victim is helpless; feels trapped Victim has mixed feelings

Batterer increases threats Batterer highly abusive, incident occurs

Batterer is manipulative

Victim withdraws Incidence of violence or threat occurs

Victim feels guilty and responsible

Batterer controls more Victim traumatized

Batterer promises change

Tension becoming intolerable

Batterer blames victim Victim considers reconciliation

Victim feels like they are walking on eggshells

Victim often recants/minimizes abuse

Poor communication

Office of the Kansas Attorney General Jacqie Spradling, Domestic Violence Unit Director 120 SW 10th Avenue, 2nd Floor Topeka, KS 66612-1597 785-368-8404 jacqie.spradling@ksag.org www.ksag.org