Question

A client reports during a session with a social worker that her partner hit her after an argument last week. The client states even though this was the third incident, she did not want to have her partner arrested. She reports that her partner expressed remorse and took her out for a nice dinner the next day. The partner also agreed to enter couple's counseling. The cycle of violence would indicate that the partner is in what phase?

A. Honeymoon
B. Tension building
C. Healing
D. Sublimating

Answer 1

The partner is in the reconciliation or honeymoon phase of the cycle of violence in intimate partner violence (IPV).

Step-by-step explanation:

The cycle of violence in intimate partner violence (IPV) consists of three phases: tension building, acute battering incident, and reconciliation or honeymoon phase.

The student's question describes a situation where the client reports being hit by her partner after an argument. However, she does not want to have her partner arrested, and her partner expresses remorse, takes her out for a nice dinner, and agrees to enter couples counseling. Based on the cycle of violence, the partner is in the reconciliation or honeymoon phase.

In this phase, the abuser may apologize, express remorse, and show affection or kindness towards the victim. They might make promises to change or seek help, such as entering couples counseling, as seen in the client's situation.