The Cycle of Violence

Phase 1: Accumulation of tension

Intimate partner violence is not a static event, but a cyclical process. The first phase is known as "Tension Accumulation". Here, minor conflicts and irritability progressively increase.

The victim senses the change in the environment and often tries to appease the aggressor, "walking on eggshells" to avoid an outburst. Daily friction, hostile silences and escalating criticism ensue.

For example, a minor complaint about housekeeping is charged with disproportionate aggression.

The victim may become overly complacent, mistakenly believing that if she behaves "perfectly", she will be able to control her partner's anger and avoid aggression. This phase generates constant and debilitating anticipatory anxiety.

Phase 2: Explosion or acute episode

Inevitably, the accumulated tension is released in the second phase: the explosion.

The incident of acute violence occurs, which may be physical (battering), sexual, or a devastating verbal and psychological attack.

This is the moment where control is lost and direct harm occurs. After the incident, the victim is usually left in a state of shock, fear or helplessness.

The aggressor, for his part, may release his tension and feel a temporary sense of relief or justification ("you made me do it").

It is at this stage that external help, medical or police, is most likely to be sought if the aggression has left visible marks or the fear of dying has become present.

Phase 3: Honeymoon and regret

The most insidious phase and the one that perpetuates the bond is the "Honeymoon" or reconciliation.

After the assault, the abuser may show remorse, ask for forgiveness, bring gifts, and promise that "it will never happen again."

He behaves in a loving and caring manner, reminding the victim of the person he fell in love with.

However, this repentance is often accompanied by manipulation and rationalization: "I'm sorry, but I was under a lot of stress and you provoked me".

The victim, wanting to believe in change and keep the family together, accepts the apology and minimizes what happened.

This phase reinforces hope and dependency, making it very difficult to break the relationship.

Over time, if there is no intervention, t