Protective Order Project

The Cycle of Violence

Over time, violence tends to escalate in both frequency and severity without any type of intervention. Lenore Walker has identified a three-phase cycle of violence. "The cycle of violence is terminology used to describe a pattern of violence where by tension escalates until there is an abusive incident followed by a time of 'loving contrition.'" The following is an explanation of the cycle from the victim's perspective.

Tension Building Phase

This stage involves minor incidents (slapping, verbal and/or psychological abuse) with increasing tension and fear of the batterer. This may be the time when a victim will seek out help through law enforcement intervention only to be told nothing can be done until violence occurs.

The victim may:

1. placate batterer by nurturing or staying out of the batterer's way.
2. control, manipulate environment to prevent escalation of violence.
3. minimize, trivialize, deny violence.
4. cover for batterer, excuse behavior.
5. begin to withdraw emotionally from overwhelming stress.

The victim’s inability to face the reality of situation allows the batterer to escalate the violence.

Acute Battering Incident

During this stage, a violent episode occurs usually causing injury and sometimes resulting in death. This is usually the shortest phase lasting a few minutes to 24 hours.

The victim may:

1. feel a complete loss of control.
2. feel psychologically trapped.
3. wait to seek medical treatment if s/he chooses to go at all.
4. not experience the effects of the trauma for some time.
5. not trust law enforcement, fear their involvement will further enrage batterer, defend batterer to police.

Tranquil, Non-violent Phase

Environment becomes tranquil, maybe even pleasant. This may be the longest phase early in a relationship, but usually becomes progressively shorter over time. This calm environment may become quite brief with the tension phase beginning again almost immediately.

The victim may:

1. experience the illusion of well-being.
2. believe that s/he is the sole support of the emotional stability of the batterer.
3. believe the many promises of the batterer.
4. feel responsible for batterer's well being.

Factors which increase the likelihood that the victim will seek assistance include:

1. Severity of the abuse
2. Resources available
3. Belief that seeking help will be successful
4. Belief that children are in danger

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