What is a common victim response during the Tension Building Phase?

During the Tension Building Phase of an abusive relationship, victims commonly exhibit a response characterized by withdrawing and avoiding. This phase involves escalating tension, where the abuser may become increasingly irritable and the environment becomes emotionally charged. To protect themselves, victims often adopt a strategy of avoidance, attempting to minimize conflict and keep the peace.

In this phase, individuals may disengage from discussions or steer clear of potential triggers that could provoke the abuser’s anger. This behavior is a coping mechanism aimed at reducing the risk of escalation into more severe aggression or violence. The focus is on surviving the growing strain without provoking further incidents, reflecting a strategy of self-preservation in a challenging and often dangerous situation.

The other responses, such as calmly discussing issues or feeling empowered, do not accurately capture the typical dynamics present in this phase, where fear and anxiety often dominate the victim's experience. Engaging in arguments, while a possible response, is less common as victims typically avoid confrontation to diffuse tension.