Sutherland Shire Domestic Violence

6 Sutherland Shire Domestic Violence Informtion and Support Guide The Cycle of Violence In healthy relationships, both people resolve conflict and tensions in a safe way that embodies equality and respect. In contrast, in relationships where domestic violence occurs, tension leads to abuse and violence towards one person followed by a phase of apology and normality in the relationship. This cycle of violence and remorse, including how quickly a family progresses through the cycle and severity of behaviour in each stage, is completely controlled by the abuser. Often the cycle provides victims with a sense of hope that the relationship might improve and this often motivates women to stay in relationships or blame themselves when violence occurs again. EXPLOSION Remorse PHASE Pursuit PHASE Honeymoon PHASE Build-Up PHASE Standover PHASE