What does the cycle of violence begin with after stage three?

The cycle of violence is a conceptual framework that describes the recurring patterns commonly seen in abusive relationships. It typically includes three stages: tension-building, acute violence, and a period of reconciliation or calm. After the third stage, where the relationship may seem to return to a peaceful state, the cycle restarts.

Choosing to identify the start of the cycle again as stage one highlights the repetitive nature of these dynamics. The tension-building phase serves as a precursor to the eventual eruption of conflict, which leads to the acute violence phase. This understanding is critical for recognizing that the cycle of violence is seldom broken simply by the appearance of a reconciliatory period; it usually resumes back at the beginning as the foundational issues remain unaddressed.

The other options do not accurately reflect the ongoing nature of this cycle. A period of calm may indicate a temporary respite but does not signify the start of a new cycle; it simply precedes the return to the initial phase. A new relationship might appear to break the cycle, but abusive patterns often reemerge if underlying issues are not resolved. Shifting to therapy can be a positive step, yet it does not inherently indicate a return to the initial stage as part of the cycle overall. Understanding this cycle helps to inform