Cycle of Violence

The cycle of violence is not present in all abusive situations, but it is common. Some victims report that they did not go through these cycles nor do they identify with them; that does not change the fact that abuse happened or make their abusive situation less than others.

If you experience the Cycle of Violence, typically your partner seems to be the person you love shortly after the last abusive incident. You hope this time he will really change. When your partner becomes violent again, you may think something you did caused the violence, and if you change your behavior, the abuse will end. 

When such attempts to end the abuse fail, you may feel helpless and unable to make any changes in your situation.  Over a period of time the violent acts happen more often and usually become more severe, unless the cycle is broken.