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Family Violence
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The Cycle of Violence
The cycle of violence is a recurring behavioral pattern where the
offender swings between affectionate, remorseful calm and periods of tense
demands culminating in violence. The more times the cycle is completed,
the less time it takes to complete. Furthermore, as the cycle is repeated,
the violence usually increases in frequency and severity.
After a violent episode, the offender may be genuinely sorry for what he
has done. He may regret and feel ashamed of his behavior. Often his worst
fear is that his partner will leave him, so he may try as hard as he can
to make up for his behavior. He may promise never to hurt her again. This
means that following even severe or chronic abuse, the offender may be
very penitent and determined to change. This is what the victim hopes for.
However, observers of this pattern note that the honeymoon is all too
temporary.
During the calm periods, the offender may seem fully in control and
determined never to raise a hand again. Nevertheless, if nothing else has
changed, the odds of the violence recurring are high. |
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