| The "Cycle of Violence" theory of domestic violence | | | | physical attacks, a batter might use threats, |
| was first introduced in the 1970's by researcher and | | | | intimidating behavior and emotional abuse to keep his |
| feminist Lenore Walker. She based her theory on | | | | or her victim in line. During this phase, victims are |
| interviews conducted with women who had survived | | | | often too frightened to seek out the help they need. |
| abusive relationships. | | | | Walker's theory posits that in time the acting out |
| The goal of the Cycle of Violence theory was to | | | | phase will lead back into the honeymoon phase. This |
| describe and predict the pattern that violent | | | | emotional manipulation is what makes it so difficult |
| relationships often fall into. Walker identified three | | | | for many victims of abuse to escape the relationship. |
| phases that these relationships tended to cycle | | | | Batterers can be extremely charming when they |
| through: | | | | want to be. According to Walker, as time goes by |
| Honeymoon phase: This is where violent relationships | | | | the cycle often becomes tighter and tighter, which |
| often begin. The abuser is charming, caring, gentle | | | | each phase lasting a short amount of time until the |
| and affectionate. He or she may present their victim | | | | victim either escapes or, tragically, is killed. |
| with gifts, go out of their way to do nice things for | | | | This theory has received a fair amount of criticism |
| them, and generally make their victim feel accepted | | | | over the years. Some people believe that Walker's |
| and loved. | | | | sample size was too small and not diverse enough to |
| Tension building phase: According to Walker, acts of | | | | provide an accurate portrayal of violent relationships |
| violence are generally preceded by periods of | | | | across the country. Other people, based on their own |
| growing unrest within the relationship. The abuser | | | | research and experience, do not believe that |
| may become increasingly jealous, short tempered or | | | | domestic violence is as predictable as Walker first |
| paranoid. The victim will often try to protect his or | | | | made it out to be. |
| her self by placating the abuser. Unfortunately, an | | | | Abusers can vary widely in their behavior, |
| abusive person's anger is often irrational and | | | | motivations and tactics. There are many, many |
| therefore cannot be reasonably calmed. In many | | | | different ways that a person can be manipulated. |
| abusive relationships, there is nothing the victim can | | | | Some abusers rely mostly on emotional or verbal |
| do to avoid upsetting their partner. | | | | abuse, rarely if using physical attacks. Others do not |
| Acting out phase: This is when things come to a | | | | cycle through phases of peace, tension and violence |
| head and the abuser becomes violent. In addition to | | | | in the way that Walker described. |