Question

Which of the following is an inaccurate picture of the cycle of abuse that occurs over time?

a) Severity of the injuries worsen.
b) Violent episodes are less frequent.
c) Violent episodes are more frequent.
d) The period of remorse disappears.

Answer 1

The inaccurate picture of the cycle of abuse is that violent episodes are less frequent (b). Over time, the severity of abuse in instances of IPV increases as does the frequency of violent episodes, and the periods of remorse either diminish or disappear entirely.

Step-by-step explanation:

In general, the cycle of abuse comprises various stages that can occur repeatedly in an abusive relationship. As the cycle progresses, the severity of abuse often escalates. Therefore, the severity of the injuries worsen (a) is accurate since injuries frequently become more serious. Furthermore, contrary to option (b), violent episodes become more frequent (c) over time as the abuser exerts more control and power.

The period of remorse, known as the 'honeymoon phase', may diminish or disappear entirely (d), as the abuser feels less need to reconcile after violent episodes. Research reveals that intimate partner violence (IPV) often escalates, and can have severe and long-lasting impacts on victims, including physical injury and psychological trauma.