Safety & Security > Domestic Violence > Domestic violence cycle

Domestic violence cycle

A pattern of behaviour, known as the 'cycle of violence', can often be identified in domestic violence situations (see figure 1). However, it is important to remember that not everyone's experiences are the same. Sometimes a 'phase' does not occur, or two or more 'phases' can occur simultaneously.

Figure 1 - The cycle of Violence

Build-up Phase

In the build-up phase, tension increases and is often marked by increased verbal, emotional and/or financial abuse, poor communication and isolation. In a non-violent relationship, these tensions can often be resolved.

Stand-over Phase

In a domestic violence situation, the build-up usually leads to a stand-over phase, where the violent partner uses both their strength and the belief in their 'right' to dominate, in order to control and 'put down' their partner.

Explosion Phase

When an offender commits domestic violence it can be likened to an 'explosion'. This is the most dangerous period and can involve; physical, sexual and verbal violence as well as threats, intimidation and coercion.

Remorse Phase

The remorse phase is often marked by the offender feeling ashamed of what has happened, or they may be afraid of the consequences. The offender may seek to justify the behaviour or minimise their actions by blaming others.

Pursuit Phase

During the pursuit phase, the offender often promises never to be violent again and may try to win back their partner with gifts and promises. They may threaten to kill themselves, claiming they could not live without their partner. If these tactics do not work, the offender can also revert to the use of more threats and violence.

Honeymoon Phase

This can lead to the honeymoon phase where the relationship appears to be working - the 'incident' is forgotten and no abuse is taking place. However nothing is resolved and it is only a matter of time until tensions begin to build up and the offender's behaviour can escalate from controlling and abusive to dangerous. Victims have described this period like 'walking on eggshells' that can continue until another explosion occurs and the cycle starts again.

This cycle can occur hundreds of times in an abusive relationship. Each stage lasts a different amount of time and the total cycle can take anywhere from a few hours to a year or more to complete. Typically, the violence escalates over time with the interval between each phase shortening. It is common for the honeymoon phase to become shorter, the longer the relationship continues. In some cases, this phase will become non-existent.

Break the cycle

Domestic Violence is against the law, Police will support victims and hold offenders accountable for their actions.

Police encourage all victims of domestic violence to contact police on 000 (in an emergency) or on 131444 for police attendance.

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Did you know....

Domestic violence takes a number of forms including physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional and social abuse, and economic deprivation.

It is estimated that one in three Australian women will experience some form of violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime.

Many domestic violence victims will continue to experience violence from their partners during periods of separation.

Domestic violence and child abuse often coexist in families.

There is a high degree of overlap between violence towards women and violence towards children. Many studies show that both male perpetrators and female survivors abuse their children or use severe violence more frequently against a child.

Aboriginal people prefer to use the term family violence rather than domestic violence as it recognises their extended family (kinship) relationships.


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