Cycle of abuse
Cycle of Abuse
The Cycle of Abuse (pronunciation: /ˈsaɪkəl əv əˈbjuːs/) is a social cycle theory developed in the 1970s by Lenore E. Walker to explain patterns of behavior in an abusive relationship.
Etymology
The term "Cycle of Abuse" originates from the predictable, repetitive patterns observed in abusive relationships. The word "cycle" comes from the Latin cyclus, meaning "circle", and the word "abuse" is derived from the Latin abusus, meaning "misuse" or "overuse".
Definition
The Cycle of Abuse describes the phases an abusive relationship typically undergoes, beginning with abuse, followed by guilt, excuses, normal behavior, and then the setup. This cycle repeats itself until the conflict is resolved, which often involves the victim leaving the relationship.
Phases of the Cycle
- Abuse - The abuser initiates aggressive, verbal, or physical abuse, creating a power imbalance.
- Guilt - After abusing, the abuser feels guilt, but not over what he or she has done to the victim.
- Excuses - The abuser rationalizes what they have done, often blaming the victim for their own abusive behavior.
- Normal behavior - The abuser may begin to act like the abuse never happened. Peaceful phase may give the victim hope that the abuser has really changed this time.
- Setup - The abuser sets up the victim and makes the situation inevitable, so the cycle of abuse continues.
Related Terms
- Domestic Violence - A pattern of behavior used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.
- Emotional Abuse - A form of abuse characterized by a person subjecting or exposing another to behavior that may result in psychological trauma.
- Physical Abuse - Any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person by way of bodily contact.
- Sexual Abuse - Also referred to as molestation, is abusive sexual behavior by one person upon another.
See Also
- Power and Control in Abusive Relationships
- Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
- Intimate Partner Violence
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cycle of abuse
- Wikipedia's article - Cycle of abuse
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