The walker cycle of violence and its applicability to wife battering in the South African context

Abstract

The 'cycle of violence' as formulated by Lenore Walker (1979-1991) has become part of the body of generally accepted theoretical literature on wife battering, However, in recent years, this model has generated some controversy and the present study was undertaken to ascertain whether the formulation can be applied to the experiences of South African women. The specific focus of the study was the third stage of the cycle, "lovlng-contrition". In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 'coloured' shelter residents in order to assess whether the stage of "lovlng-contrition" was apparent in the reports the women gave of their 'experiences. The results indicate that the majority of women (58%) experienced "loving-contrition" after first battering' incidents but only 25% described it after the worst battering incident. The study suggests that the 'cycle of violence' does not have universal applicability. The interviews were also analysed to examine common themes in the lived experience of the women.