Research in the areas of domestic violence has shown there is a recurring cycle with abuse. Through researcher Lenore Walker and the Domestic Abuse Project of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the cycle has been broken down into three phases, each having some unique characteristics. This handout looks at the phases and defines some of those traits.

Phase I: Tension Building

A. In the beginning of most relationships, violence is rarely shown. The relationship is often one of infatuation.

1. During this time, there is a lack of stress between partners and positive behaviour is shown.

2. This is a time when each partner is on their best behaviour. The chance of the relationship ending is high if violence occurs.

B. As the relationship continues, the demands increase along with the stress.

C. There is an increase in aggressive behaviour, usually towards objects rather than partner. For example; punching doors, throwing objects, etc.

D. The abusive behaviour is reinforced by his/her release of tension following the violence.

E. The violence moves from objects to partner and there may be an increase in verbal abuse as well as physical abuse.

F. The partner may alter his/her behaviour to try to stop the violence. Examples; keeping the house cleaner, the children quieter, partner home more often.

G. The verbal and physical abuse will continue.

H. The partner may withdraw and feel responsible for the abuse.

I. The abuser may become obsessively jealous and try to control most of the partner's behaviour and time, i.e., say when partner can go, with whom, how they dress.

J. The abuser may try to isolate partner from family and friends. They may tell the partner that if they loved them, they wouldn't need others or that they are married now and their place is with them.

The tension-building phase differs with each case. The length of this phase may be days or weeks and the severity varies.

Phase II: The Acute Battering Incident

A. This phase is where there is an actual feeling of release from the built-up stress and tension following the violence.

B. The abuser makes a choice about his/her violence. For example: decides place anytime for the episode, makes conscious choice on which part of the body to hit and if it is done with a fist or open hand, etc.

C. This is usually the phase where law enforcement becomes involved.

1. As a result of the abuse, the pent-up stress and tension have been eliminated. Thus, the abuser often appears calm and relaxed when law enforcement arrives.

2. The partner, on the other hand, may appear confused or hysterical from the episode.

Phase III: Calm Phase

A. This phase is characterised by a calm, non-violent, or loving period of time after an abusive episode.

B. This is the phase where the abuser may take some responsibility for his/her behaviour, thus giving the partner hope for change. Example; beg for forgiveness, promise not to do it again, promise to get help, act as if nothing happened, give gifts, etc.

C. If there is no intervention and the relationship continues, there is a high possibility the violence will escalate and the severity increase.

D. Unless the abuser receives help in learning appropriate methods of dealing with stress and anger, this phase will only last a period of time. The stress and tension will again begin to increase and the cycle repeat itself.

The Physical Abuse Centre is a part of the Family Resource Network, which also consists of the Protection of Children, The Centre for Community and Family Mediation, P.A.R.E.N.T.S. and the Father Resource Centre. The agencies joined in 1998 to better serve Bermuda's families with a common goal and shared vision. If you are aware of anyone open to sharing accommodations, Please contact the Physical Abuse Centre, 292-4366