Essay on Cycle of Violence

Submitted By kamuelson
Words: 920
Pages: 4

Domestic violence is impulsive and unpredictable, however, it is thought that the abuse will carry out with that is subject to it, under the “cycle of violence” theory. Verbal, physiological, emotional, financial, physical, sexual, and spiritual abuse are, but not limited to, the types of abuse that can be carried out into later relationships by people who are victims or have witnessed and experienced abuse. It is important to understand that domestic violence can happen to any gender or race, and acknowledging symptoms and warning signs are the first steps to ending the cycle. The cycle of violence typically starts with abuse. The abuser acts in aggressive rage, using any types of abuse. The abuse is to show control. Following the abuse, the abuser will feel guilt and sympathetic. However, this sympathy may be because of the fear of the consequences. After the guilt, the abuser will try and put blame on the victim as to why he acted like that, attempting to avoid responsibility. Next, the abuser will try and act as normal as possible to keep the relationship afloat. At this time, the victim will begin to believe that things are changing for the better. Before things do get better, the abuser begins to visualize abusing again; making a list of things the victim has done wrong. Then, the abuser will “set up” the victim to give explanation for why he has abused again. (Domestic Violence and Abuse) In a relationship, it is important to know all the warning signs of an abusive partner to prevent future abuse, and to prevent the cycle of violence from continuing. Question to ask yourself are, “Do you feel afraid of your partner much of the time?” “Do you avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner?” “Do you feel that you can’t do anything right for your partner?” “Do you believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated?” “Do you wonder if you’re the one who is crazy?” “Do you feel emotionally numb or helpless?” In addition, it is also important to realize that embarrassing, criticizes, and ignoring you are all signs of abuse. Other signs are random outrages, threats, and sexual threats, control contact with money, friends and family. (Domestic Violence and Abuse) Relationships that have already experienced many cycles are the hardest to reach and end. So, it is significant to be aware of the warning signs of mature abusive relationships. Victims are often isolated from the outside world, from friends and family. A decrease in contact should raise an alarm to friends and family. Although this is a common sign that a person is in an abusive relationship, it is also common in normal and healthy relationships. With that said, other signs to look for are noticing if the victim often feels frightened or apprehensive of their partner, and wanting to make sure their partner is content and satisfied. Frequent injuries without explanation of how it happened are also common, as well as observing that the victim may not have access to finances. (Domestic Violence and Abuse) Parents often don’t realize that domestic violence doesn’t only affect them and their relationship, but everyone who is exposed to it, especially their children. Studies conducted by Indiana University's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences show the children who grown up in a destructive and violent house hold “may learn to process social information differently than their peers who grew up in non-aggressive environments.” (Understanding the Cycle of Violence) Constantly being exposed to aggressive behavior by parents or guardians will eventually become normal,