Breaking the Cycle of Abuse Campus Health Center

Remorse The Cycle of Abuse Tension Violence Reconciliation

Phase 1 Tension-Building A time of minor conflicts during which threats of violence may increase.

Phase 2 Violence Violence erupts and the abuser may throw objects, hit, slap, kick, choke, sexually abuse, or use weapons against the partner.

Phase 3 Remorse The abuser may apologize and express guilt or shame. May buy gifts for victim. May promise to go into treatment and/or “change.”

Phase 4 Reconciliation Abuser and victim reconcile and begin abuse cycle again. Chances are that the next assault will be more severe.

Actions to Take Step 1 Tell someone Call Link Step 2 Recognize signs of impending danger Ensure your safety Know where you will go to escape the violence Step 3 Pack a suitcase and store it with a friend Keep medicine, ID, cash, and credit cards in a safe place so you can get them on short notice Call the police or sheriff—physical abuse is a crime Click

Non-Violence = Equality Economic partnership, shared responsibility, responsible parenting, honesty and accountability, trust and support, respect, negotiation, and fairness Physical Violence = Power & Control Economic abuse, using children, minimizing, denying, blaming, isolation, emotional abuse, intimidation, coercion, and threats Click

Resources San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Crime Victim Advocate Program Obtaining Protective Orders For more information contact: