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.