ADVANCING HEALTH-CARE PRACTICE

1.4     Helen's Story

Women who experience abuse describe a pattern or cycle with three phases; Honeymoon, Tension, and Explosion. It is important to know that though the drawing seems to indicate movement from honeymoon to tension to explosion, in reality, it is not so neat. In abusive situations the movement can be in any direction and back and forth between the phases. Dr. Dale's behaviour moves from tension to explosion to tension to explosion in some of the examples. The honeymoon may be that he comes in to a room and causes no embarrassment or discomfort to the nurse. However, because the nurse never knows what might happen, her focus is on protecting her patient and herself from his actions. Every phase of the Cycle is abusive. For example, the Honeymoon may be characterized by hope or respite for the woman or nurse but it is also true that she is constantly vigilant and scared in anticipation of the inevitable escalation of abuse. Just because Dr. Dale is pleasant or complimentary does not erase the impact of the abuse.

Click to see the Cycle of Abuse