Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center

Cycle of Domestic Violence

The victim feels as though she or he is walking on eggshells or waiting for the other shoe to drop. The abuser is moody, easily agitated, and unpredictable. There is an air of heightened anxiety.

This is the most violent state, involving concentrated, intense emotional or verbal abuse and or actual physical abuse. The abuse is an explosion or eruption of the tension described in stage one.

The abuser apologizes and promises to never do it again. The abuser may blame the victim for the violent acts. The victim experiences many feelings, from anger to love to confusion. The victim believes the abuser and the cycle continues.