The Spiral of Violence

Adapted from L. Walker, The Battered Woman, Harper and Row, New York, 1980.



The victim is trapped in the downwad spiral of the cycle. The victim is isolated, immobilized, 
and scared. The phases of violence may not occur in an orderly fashion. As the violence 
escalates in intensity and frequency, the time between phases grows shorter and shorter. 
However, each victim's circumstances may be different and not fit neatly into this model.

1. Tension Phase 

May last for weeks or months 
Stress builds during this stage 
Communication breaks down 
Victim senses growing danger, tries to avoid abuse 
"Minor" violence/abuse occurs 
Incidents occur more often 
Intensity increases 
Batterer denies, minimizes, blames external factors 
Hopes "somehow" things will change 

2. Crisis Phase 

May last 2-24 hours or a few days 
Anxiety is extremely high 
Major, controlled violence occurs 
Explosive, acute, unpredictable 
May cause serious injuries, even death 
Abuser blames the victim 
Victim adapts in order to survive 
Victim may escape and then return when the crisis is over 
Abuser may isolate victim physically and emotionally 

3. Calm Phase 

May last for days or weeks 
Whole family in shock at first 
Abuser continues to justify abuse and blame victim 
Abuser may be remorseful, seeking forgiveness 
Abuser may never explain violence, abuse temporarily stops 
All are relieved crisis is past 
Victim worn down, accepts promises if offered 
Children become caretakers to "keep the peace" or survive 
Victim wants to believe the violence won't recur 
Survival via negotiation