PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
Many believe that abusive relationships are limited to lower-income families or to certain ethnic or cultural groups. This is not true. People from all backgrounds are abused. They often suffer alone for a long time, not wanting to admit they are being abused.
Even though there is no such thing as a typical abuser, some studies suggest that there is a typical pattern to abuse. It is referred to as the cycle of violence. It has four distinct phases. During the first phase tension, frustration and anger on the part of the abuser may gradually build up over time. The build-up period may range from days to months or possibly even years.
As the tension builds, the possibility that abuse will occur becomes greater. At some point, an explosion occurs. This is the second phase. The abuse may last minutes or may continue over a period of days.
The third phase is often referred to as the honeymoon phase. During this phase, the abuser is likely to apologize to the victim and try to make amends.
Following the abuse, there is usually a period of relative calm. This is the fourth phase.
The cycle then repeats itself. The time to go through the cycle often gets shorter the more times it is repeated.
Describing abuse as a cycle has been criticized because it can make it seem like abuse is predicable when it is not. Abuse can vary widely from case to case. Describing abuse as a predictable cycle can also be used to wrongly blame victims for not leaving before violence happens.
The term "abuse" covers a wide range of behaviour that may or may not involve actual physical violence.
Physical abuse is any aggressive behaviour directed at another person, such as:
It also includes throwing objects or using a weapon. Needless to say, such conduct will often result in serious injuries. However, victims will just as often suffer physical injury that is not visible.
Sexual abuse is forced participation in any type of sexual activity. No one, including a spouse or partner, has the right to force someone to participate in sexual activity. If force or threats of force are used to gain compliance, a charge of sexual assault can be laid.
Psychological abuse is the infliction of emotional pain and suffering by doing things to control or degrade another person. This includes:
Forced confinement is when someone does not allow another person out of, for example, a house, room, bed or chair. Forcible confinement is also a crime.
Abuse towards pets or property is the destruction of or harm to property or animals. This may include the direct or indirect threat that "you are next."
Abuse between spouses or partners is not just a private problem. It is often a crime as well. Assaulting another person is a crime, whether they are a spouse, a partner or a stranger. The law applies equally regardless of sex. Anyone can be the victim of relationship violence and abuse.
If the abusive behaviour is a crime, see Victims of Crime for information about criminal charges, the criminal justice system and the rights of victims in the justice system.
PLEA offers free online training on preventing and addressing workplace harassment.