Cycle of Domestic Violence:

1. Tension-building stage: The batterer becomes increasingly tense and angry. The victim holds herself responsible for the batterer's unhappiness. The batterer becomes verbally abusive, and may commit some minor physical abuse or destroy the victim's personal property. 
 
2. Explosive stage: The batterer's violence is out of control and out of proportion to the situation. People who try to help the victim may also be in danger during this stage.
 
3. Honeymoon stage: The batterer apologizes to the victim, and seems truly sorry for the assault. Often, the batterer will promise that the violence will never happen again. This can sometimes cause the victim to reunite with the batterer. Despite the batterer's promises during the honeymoon stage, without help from counseling and other outside sources, 

NOTHING will prevent the violence from happening again.
Domestic violence slowly destroys the lives of all people who are involved in a violent relationship: batterer, victim, and children. If you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available. Please don't be afraid to ask.