In the Cycle of Violence, where is denial placed?

• A. In the center.
• B. Not part of the cycle.
• C. Beginning.
• D. End.

Answer: (A)

Denial acts as the central thread that keeps the Cycle of Violence looping. It’s the mental mechanism that minimizes or justifies abusive behavior, shifts blame, and convinces both parties that the situation isn’t as bad as it seems. Because denial curbs recognition of harm and postpones letting go or seeking help, it enables the pattern to move from tension to incident to reconciliation and then back to calm—the very swing that characterizes the cycle. In this sense, denial isn’t confined to a single moment; it underpins every phase, making it feel like the cycle can resume after each calm period. That pervasive, sustaining role is why it’s described as being placed in the center.