Domestic Violence is an action of harming someone which is committed by an individual affecting individuals and families in every aspect of life in the most tormenting form. Understanding its cyclical nature is crucial for recognizing patterns, providing support, and implementing effective interventions. Breaking the cycle of abuse requires an understanding that domestic violence often unfolds in phases or processes whereby comprehending this could help in unravelling the dynamic aspects involved.
The Cycle of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence cycle comprises of three main phases: tension building, acute battering incident and honeymoon phase, as proposed by Lenore Walker. There are times when this cycle can recur a number of times thereby creating a vicious circle that is difficult for the victim to break out of.
Tension-Building Phase
Minor abuses happen in the tension-building phase causing rise in stress levels in a relationship. The abuser may have developed the tendency of recover from the condition thereby reducing chances of recidivism. Irritability, mood swings or become verbally abusive and controlling. Regularly, the casualty tries to assuage the abuser so as to anticipate it from getting more regrettable. They may change their own behavior; suppress their own needs, while trying not to rock the boat. Notwithstanding those efforts however, the tension continues inexorably leading to fear and anxiety for its victim.
Acute Battering Incident
The climax of this tension is an acute battering incident where severe physical abuse, sexual violence or emotional abuse is used by the abuser to discharge tension built up over time.’In this stage,’ explains Kivel (2013), ‘the abuser expresses intense anger that can lead to life-threatening injuries on the part of his or her partner.’ Even minor issues may cause violence in cases like these since they bring about an underpinning need for control and dominance being exposed within these individuals.
Psychological and Social Impacts
Understanding the cycle of domestic violence is a must if one is to comprehend its psychological and societal consequences. A victim to Domestic is usually a women who go through a mix of various emotions be it fear, guilt shame and most importantly helplessness. The reoccurrence of this tormenting and vicious cycle ends up shattering the self-confidence of the victim and which eventually makes it harder for the victims to get out of the abusive relationship.
Socially, domestic violence can isolate victims from friends and family since abusers control their interactions and movements. Moreover, the stigmatization that comes with being in an abusive relationship can prevent victims from seeking help thus perpetuating abuse.
Breaking the Cycle
Therefore, stopping the cycle of domestic violence involves taking different approaches that involve assistance from people in society and institutions as well as communities here are some of these strategies:
- Education and Awareness: Educating people on signs and dynamics of domestic violence will not only enable them to identify it but also seek help promptly. Schools, workplaces and communities may be instrumental in running educational programs.
- Support Systems: Establishing strong support systems like hotlines, shelters, counseling centers and legal aid services is crucial for helping victims get out of violent relationships. This calls for ensuring that they are available even to those who need them most
- Empowerment: Enabling victims to leave abusive relationships and rebuild their lives can be achieved through economic assistance, education and developmental skills.
- Legal Protections: This will deter violence, protect victims, as well as encourage strict legal measures against abusers like restraining orders and criminal charges.
- Therapeutic Interventions: The root causes of the behavior of these individuals may be addressed by giving them therapy and rehabilitation programs which would in turn enable them to fully feel oneself again from the condition thereby reducing chances of recidivism.
- Community Involvement: Creating a domestic violence free society entails mobilizing communities to support victims and hold abusers accountable.
How can Domestic Violence Lawyer help you?
There are several ways that a survivor can get help from a domestic violence lawyer:
- Getting protection orders
- Assistance with divorce/custody issues
- Obtaining child/spousal support
- Ensuring fair division of property
- Assisting in criminal cases
- Providing legal advice/advocacy
- Making safety plans
