In the cycle of domestic violence, which sequence best represents the progression described?

• A. tension builds, violent episode, honeymoon phase
• B. honeymoon phase, tension builds, violent episode
• C. violent episode, honeymoon phase, tension builds
• D. tension builds, violence occurs, reconciliation

Answer: (A)

The pattern shows escalating control and danger, followed by a brief period of calm. In this cycle, tension builds up first, leading to the violent episode. After the harm occurs, the abuser often attempts to reconcile—apologies, promises to change, affectionate behavior—that creates a short, misleading sense of safety known as the honeymoon phase. This sequence best captures how the cycle repeats: a rise in tension, an abusive incident, and then a lull during the honeymoon phase before tension rises again.