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- Periods of infidelity are associated with a marked increase in the risk of partner violence.
- Safety is the foundation of a healthy relationship; when in doubt, protecting yourself comes first.
- Clear boundaries in a relationship protect not only your emotional but also your physical health.
- Making healthy decisions starts with recognising manipulation.
Short answer
Research shows that periods in which a partner is unfaithful significantly increase the risk of violence against women. The emotional instability and loss of control experienced during this process put the safety boundaries of the relationship at risk. Infidelity in a relationship is not only a question of trust; it is also a concrete risk factor for physical and psychological safety.
What changed this week?
New data from the field of psychology has confirmed that infidelity is not merely a 'breach of trust' but also a period that can trigger violent tendencies in a partner's behavioural patterns. In the weeks when infidelity occurs, the inconsistent behaviour and defence mechanisms a partner displays create serious pressure and a real sense of threat for women.
Why does this matter for women?
For women, setting 'clear boundaries' in a relationship is not just an emotional preference — it is a safety strategy. The increased risk of violence during periods of a partner's infidelity shows that the balance of power in the relationship has broken down. This makes it essential for a woman to assess the situation objectively in order to protect her own worth and safety. A healthy relationship should be built on mutual respect and trust, not on the chaos that comes with a partner's infidelity.
What the data tells us
Recent studies demonstrate that weeks in which infidelity occurs correlate with a statistically significant increase in cases of partner violence. The table below summarises the risk areas to watch for during such periods of crisis:
| Risk factor | Level of impact |
|---|---|
| Emotional manipulation | High |
| Physical safety risk | Increasing |
| Breakdown in communication | Critical |
The Betterwoman perspective
At Betterwoman, we do not believe that making a 'healthy decision' in a relationship means rationalising your partner's behaviour. On the contrary, real empowerment begins with refusing to let a partner's harmful behaviour threaten your safety. Infidelity should be seen as the end of a relationship or as a serious violation of boundaries. If you find yourself facing this kind of risk, you need to look beyond emotional attachment and take concrete steps to protect yourself.
What can you do now?
First of all, do not ignore sudden changes in your partner's behaviour or signs of infidelity. If there is violence or a threat in the relationship, do not hesitate to seek professional support. Draw your boundaries clearly, and at the point where those boundaries are crossed, prioritise your own physical and mental health rather than the future of the relationship.
Frequently asked questions
Does infidelity always bring violence with it?
Although every case is different, the data show that the risk of violence rises statistically during periods of infidelity.
How can I protect the boundaries in my relationship?
You can protect your boundaries by defining unacceptable behaviour clearly and by not backing down when that behaviour occurs.
Should I believe my partner will change?
Change is your partner's own responsibility; your task is to keep yourself safe based on the reality in front of you.
What are the psychological effects of this situation?
Infidelity and the risk of violence can lead to long-term trauma and loss of self-confidence, which is why seeking professional support matters.
BETTERWOMAN
Apply this to your own life
Don't just read the information. Use the Betterwoman guides to clarify your next step towards clearer boundaries and healthier decisions in your relationships.
Last editorial update: 24.08.2026
