Identify and explain the four phases of the cycle of abuse

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Responses should consider:
- The honeymoon phase: The early stages of a relationship tend to be happy, even idyllic. Everything seems to be wonderful, and partners are loyal, devoted, and caring. This is the honeymoon phase.
- The tension-building phase: Eventually something happens that creates tension between the partners. It could be a difference of opinion, a disagreement over a purchase, or just an argument. This disrupts the harmony of the relationship. In healthy relationships, partners usually resolve such issues by talking about it, but in an abusive relationship, this approach doesn't work, and the tension builds up. One partner will typically decide that the only way to relieve the tension is to give in to the other one so that harmony can be restored. However, at some point, another event occurs that once again creates tension; this is called the tension-building phase.
- The explosion phase: This time, instead of one partner giving in, an abusive or violent explosion occurs. Typically, the abusive partner yells, ridicules, threatens, insults, or engages in other acts of bullying and intimidation to the point that the victim is afraid and will do anything to restore calm. This is the explosion phase.
- After the explosion phase, there will be a return to the happy, loving, honeymoon period, during which the abuser is sorry, promises it will never happen again, asks for forgiveness, and is repentant. He or she might even buy gifts for the victim, who tries to make things better, but who now lives in fear of another explosion. The victim typically goes to great lengths to avoid any behavior that might trigger more violence. The time between outbursts feels like another honeymoon, but it doesn't last, and eventually the abuse and violence return.