TYPES OF RAPE
CYCLE OF ABUSE

This applies to domestic violence including child abuse, or abuse within a relationship and can on occasion lead to rape: Violent incidents follow a predictable pattern.

Phase 1
Tension-Building -  minor conflicts when threats of violence may increase. This phase may last from a few hours to many months.

Phase 2
Violence erupts as the abuser throws objects at his or her partner, hits, slaps, kicks, chokes, abuses him or her sexually, or uses weapons. Once the attack starts, there's little the victim can do to stop it; there generally are no witnesses.

Phase 3
Remorse may follow. Often called the "Honeymoon" phase. The abuser may apologize, and may express guilt or shame. Many abusers will buy gifts, flowers, etc. so that the victim will forgive the abuse. Often the abuser will promise to go into treatment voluntarily, that the violence will never occur again, and that he or she will "Change".

Phase 4
Phase 1 starts all over again. However, the next time the assault occurs, chances are it will be much more severe.

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