When domestic violence takes place it creates an odd situation. Those on the outside looking in will see the abuse, know it's abuse yet still decide it's not their place to get involved. The woman being abused will see the same abuse, feel the same abuse but for several reasons decide it's not abuse so the cycle of violence is allowed to continue.

Here are the events and actions that take place in domestic violence. They're presented here in the hope that if you see yourself in any of these situations you'll seek out help and a way to escape it. If you're an observer of any of these elements, it's hoped that you will step up and guide the abused woman to a better life.

No woman deserves abuse.

You don't need a score or an average to figure this out. If you experience or observe just one of these signs, domestic violence is happening. If you're the target of the violence, please visit some of the sites that are available on the Abusive Relationship Resource Page or seek out a local domestic violence group or women's shelter in your area.

If you see this happening to a family member or friend, it's your duty to step forward and help them any way you can. Seeing the person you care about starting a happy new life is a better sight than seeing them in a hospital bed...or a casket.

The Cycle Of Violence is a theory developed in the 1970's that presents the path a woman travels at the hand of her abuser. It's called a cycle because the process repeats itself. It doesn't happen in a regular time span. The precise path may differ. The destination is always the same.

The Cycle Of Violence contains three parts.

The Tension Building Period
The Abuser will...

The Violent Incident
The Abuser will...

The Respite Period
(Also known as The Honeymoon Period)
The Abuser will...