Which sequence correctly describes the order of the cycle phases?

Which sequence correctly describes the order of the cycle phases?

• A. Acute battering, honeymoon, tension-building
• B. Honeymoon, tension-building, acute battering
• C. Tension-building, calm period, acute battering
• D. Tension-building phase, Acute battering phase, Honeymoon phase

Answer: (D)

The sequence tests understanding of the cycle of violence, which unfolds in a repeating pattern: a buildup of tension, followed by an act of violence, and then a period of remorse and calm (the honeymoon) before the cycle starts again. The best answer starts with tension-building, then moves into the acute battering, and ends with the honeymoon phase. This order shows how stress and threat escalate into violence, and how the apology or reconciliation period can briefly obscure the danger and reinforce the cycle. The other sequences misplace phases—for example, starting with violence, or placing the calm/honeymoon before the violent act, or inserting a calm period in the middle—so they don’t reflect the typical progression.

The sequence tests understanding of the cycle of violence, which unfolds in a repeating pattern: a buildup of tension, followed by an act of violence, and then a period of remorse and calm (the honeymoon) before the cycle starts again. The best answer starts with tension-building, then moves into the acute battering, and ends with the honeymoon phase. This order shows how stress and threat escalate into violence, and how the apology or reconciliation period can briefly obscure the danger and reinforce the cycle. The other sequences misplace phases—for example, starting with violence, or placing the calm/honeymoon before the violent act, or inserting a calm period in the middle—so they don’t reflect the typical progression.