Domestic violence is a pattern repeated millions of times each year in American households.

It follows a cycle of violence that often deceives the abused person, starting with a rise in tension where the abuser looks for a scapegoat to vent his anger. The abuser lashes out at the victim and often is apologetic afterward, appearing as though the violence won’t happen again.

But it often does.

“If violence occurs once, it is very likely it will occur again and will increase in severity,” sid Pam Wiseman, executive director of DeKalb’s Safe Passage shelter.

At least one incident of violence occurs in 63 percent of all marriages in the United States, Wiseman said. Battered partners who do finally leave their abusers usually do so after an average of five attempts to leave, she said.

Between June 30, 1989 and July 1, 1990, 279 women in the DeKalb area sought services of some kind at the Safe Passage Shelter for battered women.

Safe Passage is a not-for-profit shelter that offers a 24-hour abuse intervention hotline, temporary shelter for abused women and their children, counseling and advocacy services to help abuse victims with legal, medical, and social service agencies.

Safe Passage does not publicize its location, but the 24-hour confidential hotline can be reached at 756-2228.

Despite the numbers of women and children who seek help at Safe Passage, there are plenty more who are in jeopardy.

“For every woman that comes to Safe Passage for help, there are nine more who need help,” said Sylvia Lee-Thompson, Safe Passage adult services coordinator.

About one-fifth of those 279 women and their 156 children stayed at the shelter for an average length of 12 days.

While in the shelter, residents are free to come and go as long as they let an employee when they’ll be back. Professional counseling is available for both in-house and out-of-shelter clients and their children. All services are confidential.

Safe Passage advocates are able to help clients know their legal rights and obtain an order of protection from their abusers. Advocates also can provide support and advice in dealing with public aid, job service and other agencies.