Which of the following describes the cycle of violence?

The cycle of violence is a concept often used to understand domestic violence and abusive relationships. It describes a recurring pattern that typically includes three distinct phases: tension building, explosion (which may involve acts of violence or aggression), and reconciliation (often seen with apologies, gifts, or promises to change).

The tension-building phase involves the abuser becoming increasingly irritable or explosive, which can create a sense of fear and anxiety in the victim. This is followed by the explosion phase, where the abuse occurs, leading to physical, emotional, or psychological harm. The final phase, reconciliation, often features a temporary cessation of violence, where the abuser expresses remorse and promises to change, leading the victim to hope for a better future. This cycle can perpetuate further violence as the tension builds again, making it difficult for victims to leave the relationship.

Other options, while they touch on aspects of relationships, do not accurately represent the established cycle of violence. Emotional highs and lows may occur in many relationships, but they lack the distinct phases associated with cycle theory. A consistent lack of communication can indicate relationship difficulties but does not encapsulate the specific dynamics of violence. Similarly, describing simple disagreements escalating into physical altercations does not convey the complex, cyclical nature