The cycle of abuse is defined by the ways in which an abusive partner keeps a target in a relationship, spanning subtle behaviors as well as physical, visible violence.

What are the six parts of the cycle of abuse?

Six distinct stages make up the cycle of violence: the set-up, the abuse, the abusers feelings of “guilt” and his fear of reprisal, his rationalization, his shift to non-abusive and charming behavior, and his fantasies and plans for the next time he will abuse.