Physical, sexual, psychological. All are forms of abuse experienced in familial and intimate relationships. And all forms have no respect for gender, race, social or economic status. Regardless of form, there is a cycle of abuse that the abuser and victim go through.
During the tension-building phase, tension builds in the relationship over issues such as finances, jobs and children. The victim tries to control the situation and the verbal abuse of the offender by saying and doing things to please him or her. However, at some point, the victim’s attempts to keep the peace are not enough and the tension erupts into violence.
The violence phase can be physical, sexual or psychological. The abuser is trying to gain power and control over the victim, while at the same time releasing the tension that has built up within him/her. Examples of abuse include threats, such as threats to hurt children and pets or threats to report the victim to immigration services, or can include pushing, hitting, strangling and forced sexual activity.
The final phase of the cycle of violence is the honeymoon period. During this phase, the abuser will often act as if the abuse never happened, will make promises that the abuse will never happen again, and will treat the victim like they did when they first met-such as with gifts, flowers, and other expressions of love. It is also during this phase that the victim may doubt if they were ever actually abused, or will develop excuses for the abuser’s behavior and will try to believe that the abuse will not happen again. It is this phase that scares those concerned about the victim because this is the phase that keeps the victim in the relationship.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please reach out to The Promise Place on their 24-hour hotline at 770-460-1604.
The Griffin Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence Task Force works to improve communication and working relationships in the community among personnel working for the prevention of domestic violence as well as to promote and encourage community advocacy against domestic violence. The task force is a coordinated community response to abuse comprised of several agencies in Fayette, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties.
For more information about domestic violence prevention, visit www.promiseplace.org.
