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Researchers have discovered that there is a pattern of abuse that occurs in violent family relationships. This pattern has been named "The Cycle of Violence" and is made up of the following three stages:
Stage one is characterized by tension building. The batterer may slam doors, break the victim's possessions or make threats. The victim tries to appease the batterer but the stress continues to build no matter what she does.
Stage two is the battering. The batterer may hit, kick, slap, burn or otherwise physically abuse the woman. He may also abuse her emotionally or sexually. The battering episode may last a few minutes or it may continue for hours.
Stage three is the honeymoon stage. In a continued effort to exert power and control over the victim, the batterer becomes loving and apologetic. He may give the victim gifts and promises that he will never be abusive again. He can be very convincing to himself, the victim and others. The batterer denies responsibility for the attack and blames the victim for provoking it. The honeymoon stage will not last and the cycle of violence usually begins again.
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