The Cycle of Violence

The Cycle of Violence describes the recurring pattern often seen in abusive relationships, consisting of three phases: tension-building, an incident of abuse, and a honeymoon period. During tension-building, stress and conflicts grow, leading to an abusive act, which may be physical, emotional, or sexual. Afterwards, the abuser often apologizes, makes promises to change, and shows remorse, creating a honeymoon phase. This cycle can repeat, trapping victims in repeated periods of hope and fear. Recognizing this pattern is key to understanding abuse and seeking safety or support.