Cycle of Abuse. Tensions Building. Tensions increase, breakdown of communication, victim becomes fearful and feels the need to placate the abuser. Incident. Verbal, emocional & physical abuse. Anger, blaming, arguing, threats, intimidation. Reconciliation. Abuser apologizes, gives excuses, blames de victim, denies the abuse occurred or says that it wasn't as bad as a victim claims. Calm. Incident is "forgotten" no abuse is taking place. The "honeymoon" phase.