Cycle of Abuse

Cycle of Violence

  • Growing Tension
  • Pressure from others
  • Pressure about money
  • Abuser begins to threaten and belittle victims/assaults her self
  • esteem abuser monitors and controls victim
  • Jealousy escalates
  • Abuser Blames victims of unacceptable behavior
  • Abuser blames others for their feelings

Explosion of Violence

  • Actual physical and sexual abuse
  • Increased verbal abuse
  • Threats to kill
  • Sexual abuse sometimes occurs immediately after abuse
  • Abused threatens to harm others if the victim leaves
  • Abuser threatens to destroy victim’s belongings

Honeymoon Phase

  • Abuser says “I’ll get counseling, Stop drinking, and go to church”
  • Abuser apologizes for assault and promises to change
  • Abuser buys victims gifts, compliments her, looking for forgiveness
  • Victim feels sense of security due to the promise of the abuser
  • Feelings of closeness are returning