In the cycle of violence theory, which sequence correctly lists the three phases?

• A. Honeymoon, Tension Building, Acute Battering
• B. Tension Building, Honeymoon, Acute Battering
• C. Acute Battering, Honeymoon, Tension Building
• D. Tension Building, Acute Battering, Honeymoon

Answer: (D)

The cycle of violence unfolds as a repeating pattern: tension builds, an abusive incident occurs, and then a period of calm and reconciliation follows. The first phase is tension-building, where anger rises, conflicts escalate, and the atmosphere becomes unstable. This leads to the acute battering moment, the peak of violence. Afterward comes the honeymoon phase, when the abuser apologizes, excuses the behavior, and may shower the other person with affection or gifts, creating a temporary sense of safety and a reason to stay in the relationship. Since the question asks for the correct order of these three phases, the sequence is tension-building, then acute battering, then honeymoon. The other sequences mix the phases in a way that doesn’t reflect how the pattern typically progresses.