What is the cycle of abuse?

The concept of the cycle of abuse is best captured by a pattern of behavior that typically includes four distinct phases: tension-building, incident, reconciliation, and calm. In the tension-building phase, the abuser may exhibit increased stress and agitation, which can escalate conflicts or create an environment of fear. This is often followed by an incident, where abuse occurs, whether it be physical, emotional, or psychological.

After the incident, the cycle moves into the reconciliation phase, where the abuser may express regret, apologize, or promise to change, which can create a temporary sense of calm. Finally, the calm phase follows, where the relationship may seem stable for a time, but the underlying issues remain unresolved. This cycle can then repeat, leading to an ongoing pattern that can be difficult for victims to escape. Understanding this cycle is crucial for recognizing the dynamics of abusive relationships and providing appropriate support to those affected.

The other options do not accurately capture the structured nature of the cycle. A continuous loop of reconciliation followed by an escalation of tension does not include all necessary phases of the cycle. An unpredictable sequence of events suggests a lack of structure, which contradicts the clear pattern observed in abusive relationships. A fixed series of steps that victims must follow implies a simplistic