Which action might an abuser take during the honeymoon phase?

During the honeymoon phase of an abusive relationship, the abuser often exhibits behaviors that may be perceived as remorseful or loving, creating a temporary sense of calm and reconciliation following incidents of violence or abuse. Threatening suicide can be a manipulation tactic used by the abuser to elicit sympathy, guilt, or to maintain control over the victim. This action can instill fear and a sense of responsibility in the victim, leading them to feel compelled to care for or accommodate the abuser’s emotional needs, thereby perpetuating the cycle of abuse.

The other actions listed—harassing the victim, using weapons, and stalking—typically represent more aggressive and harmful behaviors found in the tension-building or acute violent phases of the cycle of abuse, rather than during the honeymoon phase. In this stage, the atmosphere may feel peaceful and the abuser often attempts to demonstrate affection or promise change, making the act of threatening suicide a particularly manipulative tactic that aligns with the fluctuating emotional dynamics in such relationships.