What is the sequence of the cycle of violence?

What is the sequence of the cycle of violence?

• A. Tension Building Phase → Aggression Phase → Honeymoon Phase
• B. Aggression Phase → Honeymoon Phase → Tension Building
• C. Honeymoon Phase → Tension Building → Aggression Phase
• D. Increases until stable

Answer: (A)

The cycle of violence unfolds in a repeating three-phase pattern. It begins with a tension-building phase, where stress, irritability, and minor incidents accumulate and the environment feels increasingly unstable. Next comes the aggression or violence phase, when the built-up tension erupts in an actual abusive event. After that there’s the honeymoon or reconciliation phase, during which the abuser may apologize, promise to change, and shower the survivor with affection or gifts, creating a temporary sense of calm. This calm can tempt the survivor to believe the abuse will stop, which then allows the tension to start rising again and the cycle repeats. So the sequence shown—tension building first, then aggression, then the honeymoon period—accurately reflects how the pattern escalates and temporarily resets. Other sequences don’t fit because they reverse the order in which the tension and the violent act occur, or ignore the repeating, cyclical nature of the pattern.

The cycle of violence unfolds in a repeating three-phase pattern. It begins with a tension-building phase, where stress, irritability, and minor incidents accumulate and the environment feels increasingly unstable. Next comes the aggression or violence phase, when the built-up tension erupts in an actual abusive event. After that there’s the honeymoon or reconciliation phase, during which the abuser may apologize, promise to change, and shower the survivor with affection or gifts, creating a temporary sense of calm. This calm can tempt the survivor to believe the abuse will stop, which then allows the tension to start rising again and the cycle repeats.

So the sequence shown—tension building first, then aggression, then the honeymoon period—accurately reflects how the pattern escalates and temporarily resets. Other sequences don’t fit because they reverse the order in which the tension and the violent act occur, or ignore the repeating, cyclical nature of the pattern.