Tension Building Phase:
This phase is characterized by increased emotional abuse and the feeling of intimidation or threat. It may involve minor physical abuse. Victims tend to feel tense and afraid and often describe it as “walking on eggshells.”

Violence and Crisis Phase:
This phase is characterized by a violent episode that may involve physical or sexual abuse, property destruction, and heightened emotional abuse. Children and pets may also become victims. As time goes on, the aggressor will usually use more severe forms of abuse to maintain control. In relationships where there is no physical abuse, victims are often unaware that they are in an abusive relationship.

Reconciliation or Honeymoon Phase:
Violent relationships may begin very romantically. The victim frequently looks back at this happy, loving time, hoping that the abuse will end and that everything will be like it was at the beginning. This phase perpetuates the relationship. After Violence occurs, this is a period of apologies, gifts, and promises to change. It can also be a time of renewed courtship, romance, and sexual intimacy.