Recognizing the signs of a controlling relationship helps protect your safety. Learn to identify warning signs and find supportive resources.

Domestic violence is not limited to a single isolated act: it often follows a repetitive cycle made up of well-defined phases. Understanding this cycle — from the honeymoon phase to the explosion, through the build-up of tension — is essential to recognizing it, preventing it, and intervening effectively.

Violence in a relationship often follows a cycle: growing tension, a violent incident, then a short “honeymoon” phase. But these calm periods don’t last—the cycle repeats. To stay safe, it’s vital to break it.

Intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence or partner abuse, refers to a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one person to exert control and power over their intimate partner.