The Cycle of Domestic Violence -- DAWN, Newton County, Arkansas

■	Tension Building The abuser gets angry and the abuse may begin. Communication breaks down and the victim feels the need to keep the abuser calm. The tension becomes too much. The victim feels like they are "walking on egg shells".
■	Abuse Victims now feel in danger and isolated in fear. The abuser is now involved in mental abuse, and with a flash of temper, could do physical abuse. None of this is OK. Victims and families locked into these abuse episodes live in deep unhappiness and constant fear. Even if there is no physical abuse, this is terrifying, they live on the edge.
■	Making-Up The abuser may apologize for the abuse and promise it will never happen again. They may blame the victim for causing the abuse. The abuser may deny the abuse took place, or deny that the abuse was as bad as the victim feels and claims.
■	Calm The abuser acts like the abuse never happened. Physical abuse may have stopped, and promises made during "making-up" may be met for a while. The victim may hope that the abuse is over. Victims may even question their own memory of the abuse through denial. The abuser may give gifts to the victim.
■	The Cycle Repeats The abuser slowly drifts back to his or her old behavior. The victim may even deny that this is happening until it becomes clear that the cycle of abuse is beginning again as tensions arise. Breaking this cycle will only happen when the victim decides it will end. They must take responsibility for their life and do what is necessary to stop the victimization.

If this cycle of abuse describes your life, you have the power to stop it. Your life will only change when you make the decision stand up for yourself, and allow us to help. The fear and aloneness you feel is normal, we understand what you face, and how you feel. Take control of your life, you deserve to be happy. Call us today at 870-446-6475.