THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE

The cycle of violence was developed by Lenore Walker in the 1970s. She worked with a great number of abuse survivors and found a common pattern which is now known as the cycle of violence. The cycle of violence is sometimes useful to demonstrate for women the pattern of violence. Be aware that the cycle of violence does not apply to all violent partnerships. The length of each phase is an individual factor, some couples may experience the entire cycle several times in a day, others may take weeks to complete one cycle.

Gender-specific language is used in these following examples as Walker’s model is based on the observation of women being the target of male violence within the home.

Build-up phase

This time is characterised by increasing tension between the couple.

Stand-over phase

The offender uses aggression and violence to frighten and control his partner. Following the assault the offender moves into the remorse phase.

Remorse phase

The offender feels ashamed of his behaviour, tries to minimise it and blames it on the survivor eg "She knows I get mad when she does that" or "It was only a bit of a shove". The woman may go along with her partner because to do otherwise could mean acknowledging the terror and the danger with which she is living.

Pursuit phase

The offender attempts to convince his partner that he needs her. If the buy-back attempts seem not to be working he is likely to resort to threats and violence. This can be a life-threatening time for women as many are murdered in this phase.

Honeymoon phase

There is a high degree of intimacy, as the couple cling to each other after the near separation. Eventually, and sometimes very quickly, the cycle resumes itself.

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© Health Department of Western Australia. All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday, 20 March 1998 10:28