Physical, Emotional and Psychological Abuses
The abuse cycle
• Tension Builds
Stress begins to grow from the pressures of daily life, or other points of conflict. The victim may attempt to reduce tension by complying with the abuser.
Tension
Builds
Abusive Incident
Verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse occurs. This includes anger, intimidation, threats, and other forms of abuse.
Calm
Abusive Incident
• Honeymoon Phase
The abuser apologizes, shows remorse, and often begs for forgiveness. They may shower the victim with love and affection, and promise that the abuse will never happen again.
Honeymoon
Phase
• Calm
The relationship enters a period of calm where the abuse stops or slows. The abuser may continue to ask for forgiveness, or make positive gestures, but these tend to reduce in sincerity over time.