Identify and discuss the three distinct time frames of the cycle of violence.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The first is referred to as tension building, where a batterer increases control over a victim. As anger begins to build for the perpetrator, the victim tries to keep her partner calm. She also minimizes any problems in the relationship. During this time, the victim may feel as though she is walking on eggshells because the tension between herself and her partner is high. It is during the second time frame, referred to as the abusive incident, where the major incident of battering occurs. During this period, the batterer is highly abusive and engages in an act of violence toward the victim. Following the abusive incident, the perpetrator moves to Stage 3, which is often described as the honeymoon period. During this stage, the offender is apologetic to the victim for causing harm. He often is loving and attentive and promises to change his behavior. In this stage, the perpetrator is viewed as sincere and in many cases is forgiven by the victim. Unfortunately, the honeymoon phase does not last forever, and in many cases of intimate partner abuse, the cycle begins again, tensions increase, and additional acts of violence occur. Over time, the honeymoon stage may disappear entirely.