Cycle of Violence

Seattle, Washington Domestic Violence Attorneys

The "Cycle of Violence" refers to a pattern of behavior researchers have identified in many abusive relationships. In general, people with low self-esteem find themselves in relationships with domineering, insecure partners who uses mental and physical abuse to maintain their place within the relationship. As a result, there is an almost never ending cycle of breaking up and reconciliation involving the following pattern:

1. Controlling behavior
2. Anger
3. Arguments
4. Explosion
5. Violence
6. Apology
7. Reconciliation
8. Honeymoon
9. Escalation
10. Go back to 1. and repeat cycle again

Breaking the Cycle of Violence

The step in breaking the cycle of violence is getting help. If you are in an abusive relationship, it's important to find a safe place for you and your children. Next, you can file an affidavit at your local courthouse placing a restraining order on the person you are trying to break free from. While a restraining order is not a "fix all" that will solve all of your problems, it brings your situation to the attention of law enforcement and the court and imposes significant penalties on the person it's directed against.

If your abuser is charged with domestic violence, the judge may issue a protection order. A protection order can also be an effective first step towards breaking free of the cycle of violence. Due to the Violence Against Women Act, under the full faith and credit provision of the Constitution, other states are required to enforce a protection order or restraining order issued in another state.

If you have to stay with a relative who lives out of state, tell local police you have a restraining order or protection order in effect in Washington. This can further serve to protect you while making it difficult for your abuser to go unnoticed by authorities in the locale where you are temporarily staying.

What a Restraining Order Means for Your Abuser

Once a restraining order is issued, your abuser must comply with the following:

• Vacate shared living space with you
• Avoid contact with you, your children, or other family members
• Give up ownership of any firearms

Since abusers are often knowledgeable of the law and what can and cannot be done in certain situations, it's important to talk to a lawyer. Chances are your abuser will have an attorney or will have consulted one. Our office can direct you to counseling and support services while putting in place whatever available legal protections there are for you to exercise.

Contact Domestic Violence Attorneys at Rhodes & Meryhew

Breaking the cycle of violence is possible with the proper support and counseling services. Equally important, are legal protections that allow you the distance you and your children need from an unhealthy home environment. To learn more about how we can help you break the cycle of violence, contact the law office of Rhodes & Meryhew today.