During the tension building stage of the cycle of violence, victims often become what?

In the tension building stage of the cycle of violence, victims typically adopt a compliant and nurturing demeanor as a way to manage and diffuse the escalating tension. This response often stems from a desire to maintain peace and avoid conflict. Victims may focus on being accommodating and caring, hoping that by doing so, they can prevent the explosive behavior of the abuser and reduce the likelihood of violence.

This period is characterized by the abuser displaying increasing irritability, and tension; victims may feel anxious and are often hyper-vigilant about the abuser's moods. Their compliance may reflect an internal coping mechanism to survive this unpredictable and stressful environment, as it can create a false sense of control over the situation.

The other options do not accurately represent the typical behavior of victims during this phase of the cycle of violence. Being resistant, argumentative, defensive, or confrontational could potentially escalate the tension further and lead to violence, so victims generally avoid these responses during this stage.