Which phase precedes the Explosion in the Cycle of Violence?

• A. Honeymoon.
• B. Denial.
• C. Tension.
• D. Reconciliation.

Answer: (C)

The cycle describes a sequence of phases that escalate tension until an explosion. In the tension-building phase, stress, irritability, arguments, and threatening behavior increase, creating a sense that violence could occur at any moment. When this buildup peaks, the explosive event happens—the actual abuse or outburst. After the explosion, many describe a reconciliation or honeymoon phase, where the abuser apologies, promises to change, or acts charming in an effort to restore calm and control. Denial can appear at various points, but it’s not the specific phase that directly precedes the explosive incident. So, the phase that comes right before the explosion is the tension-building phase.