Most abusers exhibit a behavioral pattern that is described as a cycle of violence. This cycle has three phases.

For some people Phase One begins with...

• Anger
• Blaming
• Increased tension

Phase Two is the battering. It may include...

• Hitting
• Slapping
• Kicking
• Choking
• Spitting
• Use of objects as weapons
• Sexual abuse
• Verbal threats and abusive behaviors

Phase Three is the calm phase, often referred to as the "Honeymoon Phase". The abuser may...

• Deny the violence
• Use excuses for the violence
• Apologize and promise that it will never happen again
• Try to compensate with material gifts and/or romantic behavior

Phase Three may decrease or disappear over time.