Yes, it is not uncommon for abusers to use a tactic known as "love bombing" after they have abused their partner. Love bombing involves showering the victim with affection, gifts, and attention as a way to manipulate and control them. It can create confusion and make the victim question their own perceptions of the abusive behavior.
There are several reasons why abusers might engage in love bombing:
Manipulation and control: Abusers use love bombing as a manipulation tactic to keep their victims emotionally dependent on them. By alternating between abusive behavior and intense affection, they can create a cycle of highs and lows, making the victim more likely to stay in the relationship.
Guilt and remorse: Sometimes, abusers may feel guilty or remorseful for their abusive actions. Instead of genuinely addressing their behavior, they use love bombing as a way to temporarily alleviate their guilt and create a false sense of security in the relationship.
Maintaining the power dynamic: Love bombing can make the victim believe that the abuser is genuinely sorry and willing to change, leading them to lower their guard and stay in the relationship. This tactic helps the abuser maintain power and control over the victim.
Isolation: Love bombing can isolate the victim from their support system. If the abuser behaves affectionately in public or around others, it can make it harder for the victim to seek help or support from friends and family who may find it challenging to believe the abuse is happening.
Gaslighting: Love bombing can be used as a form of gaslighting, where the abuser tries to make the victim doubt their own reality and perceptions of the abuse. The sudden affection can make the victim question whether the abuse was real or if they are overreacting.
It's essential to recognize that love bombing is not a sign of genuine change or remorse from the abuser. It's a manipulative tactic aimed at maintaining control and power over the victim. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, it's crucial to seek help and support from friends, family, or professional resources, such as domestic violence hotlines or shelters. Leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult, but there are resources available to assist in the process of breaking free from the cycle of abuse.