The "Cycle of Violence"

The "Cycle of Violence" refers to the pattern that domestic violence tends to follow. There are three distinct phases to the cycle: tension building, acute explosion, and honeymoon.

The tension-building period is usually the longest period of the cycle, and is generally characterized by a high level of stress. For example, the abuser may be moody, sullen, faultfinding, and very critical. They might withdraw affection, belittle his partner, drink or abuse drugs, make threats, or even destroy his partner's personal property. Meanwhile, the victim may attempt to keep their partner calm and placate them, become overly accommodating, agreeable, solicitous and nurturing. She may also become either silent or overly talkative, withdraw from and avoid family and friends, try to keep the kids quiet and "out of the way", or constantly feel as if she/he is "walking on eggshells." 

The acute explosion period is usually the briefest period of the cycle, as well as the most severe. During an explosion, and abuser might beat, rape, isolate, imprison, or attack their partner with a weapon. They may becoJanuary 10, 2008ublicly degrade his partner. The victim will often try to protect herself in any way they can, attempt to reason with or calm their abuser, call the police, fight back, or leave or attempt to leave.

The honeymoon period might not exist in every abusive relationship, and is often shorter than the tension-building period. The abuser may apologize, cry, and beg forgiveness, make declarations of love, promise to get help, send extravagant gifts, and promise it will never happen again. The victim often accepts the apologies, believing that it will never happen again, and even cancel legal proceedings or appointments with a counselor because the situation "seems to be better." 

Violence in a relationship tends to escalate in frequency and severity over time without proper intervention. It typically begins with verbal and emotional abuse and is often not identified as violence. This can escalate to physical and/ or sexual abuse, which becomes more violent and life threatening. We've all been there, relationships can be tough at times, but no one deserves to be emotionally or physically abused! The first step in breaking this cycle is to seek help. There are many agencies available to assist you, including the police. Remember, we are there to help you in anyway possible. Whether you need immediate assistance or you just need someone to talk to about your situation, we are just a phone call away!

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Please contact Sgt. Douglas Compton, Domestic Violence Liaison, (908-873-3232 / dcompton@wtpdmorris.org) or Community Policing Unit (908) 876-8309, Sgt. Douglas Compton / dcompton@wtpdmorris.org and P.O. Kurk Griffin/ kgriffin@wtpdmorris.org if you have any questions.

If you have an emergent situation, call 9-1-1 immediately and patrol will assist you and ensure you are provided with the above services.