The Cycle of Domestic Violence

At the very heart of domestic violence is the belief by the abuser that he or she is entitled to control his/her victim/partner.  Understanding this teaches us that perpetrators don’t just snap or lose their temper; their violence escalates as their control begins to erode. All too often, victims may be hesitant to contact the police for many reasons, including fears of retaliation from the abuser, economic insecurities about losing the abuser’s income, and emotional connections to a long term relationship. However, no victim should suffer in silence. Take the Healthy Relationships Quiz.

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Warning Signs

Adapted from Domestic Violence: The Facts. An information handbook created by Peace at Home (c) 2003.

This list identifies a series of behaviors typically demonstrated by batterers and abusive people. All of these forms of abuse - psychological, economic, and physical – come from the barterer's desire for power and control. The list can help you recognize if you or someone you know is in a violent relationship. Check off those behaviors that apply to the relationship. The more checks on the page, the more dangerous the situation may be.

Read more: Warning Signs