Cycles and Patterns of Violence

This graph describes the dynamics of partners' behaviors in relationship violence. The horizontal axis represents time; the vertical axis represents increasingly violent and controlling behaviors. 

Based on The Conflict Tactics Scale, the graph shows how the tactics and adaptations of the partners change over time.  It also shows that these relationships usually are not continually violent, but change from periods of love, contentment, or seduction to violently escalating, controlling behaviors. Each relationship will be different. 

(*The concept of seduction was originally described by Tina Busey. The graph was originally described by Jan Mickish.)