It is possible that this violent action does not happen again. However, these excuses habitually occur as part of a "cycle of violence" often seen in the behaviour of an abuser: violent episodes are interspersed by periods which are more or less calm, during which the abuser makes excuses and swears it won't happen again. There is therefore no guarantee that your husband will not do it again.

If this is repeated, and you feel your self-esteem falling and you feel fear, this could well be the case.

Violence is an unequal relationship between the partners.

The partner who attacks

• Tries consciously or unconsciously to control or dominate the other

The person being attacked

• Has their self-esteem hurt (feels pathetic, incapable, useless)

Argument is where:

• The partners express a disagreement in a heated fashion
• The partners criticize what the other person does, not who they are

Yes, it can affect people in all environments, from the wealthy to the more disadvantaged, young and old, Swiss and foreigner. All types of couple can be affected (heterosexual, married or not, LGBTQ)