This study aims to determine the factors that contribute to Lily Bloom's decision to break the cycle of domestic violence, as well as to find out the defense mechanisms developed by Lily Bloom in response to domestic violence. In this study, the researcher uses Judith Herman's trauma and recovery theory and Sigmund Freud's defense mechanisms. The method used in this study is qualitative of which data were collected through text analysis of the novel It Ends with Us. The results found that Lily had experienced domestic violence since childhood. Lily grew up in a family in which violence was part of their norm. The cycle of violence she experienced was in the form of many incidents of serious beatings or explosion phases. This study also shows that there are several forms of domestic violence experienced by Lily Bloom, i.e physical violence, psychological violence, and sexual violence. Physical violence in the form of slapping, hitting, and throwing. Lily received sexual violence several times by her husband, Ryle. In dealing with
domestic violence, Lily uses defense mechanisms, including repression, sublimation, denial, regression, and rationalization. Some of Lily's actions reflect the behavior of refusing to accept the reality that occurs. Lily also experiences sublimation as a form of positive defense mechanism. Another action is when Lily tries to cover up her husband's bad behavior by coming up with new ideas that she created herself.