The illustration below presents the cycle of violence.

This illustration reflects my thinking about domestic violence. Victim’s lives revolve around this cycle until they become aware and have the power to get out of the relationship. This is why it is important to raise awareness and to be there when the victim is ready for help. The cycle of abuse is a pattern of events that occur repeatedly and often become worse over time. First, there is the incident of violence where the victim copes with the abuse. Next is the making up phase where the abuser, who was intimidating, becomes remorseful; during this phase the victim often feels the abuse will not occur again. Then the calm phase and the tension building phase occurs, where the victim anticipates violence. This leads back to the incident phase, where another act of violence occurs and starts the cycle over again.