Phase 4:  Calm

Incident is "forgotten", no abuse is taking place. The "Honeymoon" phase.

Phase 1:  Tension Building
Tension increases, breakdown of communication, victim becomes fearful and feels the need to placate the abuser.







Phase 3:  Reconciliation
Abuser apologizes, gives excuses, blames the victim, denies the abuse occurred, or says it wasn't as bad as the victim claims.

Phase 2: 
Violent Incident

Verbal, emotional, physical abuse. Anger, blaming, arguing. Threats. Intimidation.