About Batterers

Domestic violence may seem unpredictable, simply an outburst related just to the moment and to the circumstances in the lives of the people involved. In fact, however, domestic violence follows a typical pattern no matter when it occurs or who is involved. The pattern, or cycle, repeats, and each time the level of violence increases. During every stage in the cycle, the abuser is fully in control and is working to control and further weaken his victim. Understanding the cycle of violence and the thinking of the abuser helps survivors recognize they truly are not to blame for the violence they have suffered and that the abuser is the one responsible.

Six distinct stages make up the cycle of violence: the set-up, the abuse, the abuser’s feeling of “guilt: and his fear of reprisal, his rationalization, the abuser’s shift to non-abusive or even to very good behavior, and his fantasies and plans for the next episode of abuse.

• The Six Stages

• The Full Cycle

• In the Mind of the Abuser

• About Batterers - Microsoft Word Format