Battered individuals are not constantly being abused, nor is their abuse inflicted at totally random times. It is clear that battered individuals experience a definite battery cycle. This cycle appears to have three distinct phases which vary in both time and intensity.

Phase 1: Tension - Building Phase

During this time, verbal and minor battery incidents occur. Victims usually attempt to calm the batterer by accepting responsibility for their problems. She hopes that by taking responsibility, she can gain some control over the situation by changing her behavior.

Phase 2: Acute-Battering Incident

This phase is characterized by uncontrollable discharge of tension. Rarely is it the woman’s behavior that triggers Phase 2; it is usually the internal or external state of the man, triggered by a minor incident. SHE GETS THE BEATING NO MATTER WHAT HER RESPONSE IS!

Phase 3: Calm-Loving Phase

This phase is welcome by both parties and is characterized by extremely loving and kind behavior. He knows he has gone too far, he begs her forgiveness and promises he will never do it again. He truly believes he will never hurt her again; he believes he can control his anger from now on. This is when women are most likely to flee, but this is also when he works or her guilt to keep her in the relationship. It is during this phase that her “victimization” is completed. Most women say that before they know it, the calm, loving behavior gives way to verbal abuse and minor battering incidents. Phase 1 (tension-building) reoccurs and a new cycle of violence begins.

(Source: Largo Police Dept., Largo FL)