Which phase of violence is characterized by feelings of shock and disbelief?

The phase characterized by feelings of shock and disbelief is the acute battering phase. During this phase, the violence escalates to its peak, often resulting in physical harm or extreme emotional distress for the victim. The shock and disbelief arise from the sudden and intense nature of the violence, which can be overwhelming for those involved.

In this phase, victims may struggle to comprehend the situation and may feel paralyzed by the chaos surrounding the event. This is a critical point in the cycle of violence, as it often leads to feelings of confusion, fear, and despair, making it difficult for victims to process or react appropriately to the situation. The aftermath can leave them reeling, contributing to the sense of disbelief about what just occurred.

In contrast, other phases such as the tension building phase typically involve a gradual increase in stress and conflict, the remorseful phase may involve feelings of guilt or shame from the abuser but is not primarily characterized by the victim's shock, and the honeymoon phase is marked by reconciliation and a sense of hope following the violence, which directly contradicts feelings of disbelief.