What often occurs during the 'incident' phase of the cycle of violence?

During the 'incident' phase of the cycle of violence, acute sexual, physical, or psychological abuse is the defining characteristic. This phase is marked by the perpetration of violence against the victim, and it represents the peak of tension that has been building during the earlier part of the cycle.

In this phase, the abuser may exhibit aggression through various forms of violence, which can include hitting, emotional manipulation, or other forms of coercive control. Understanding this phase is crucial for recognizing the patterns of abusive relationships and the impacts of such violence on the victim. It is also important to note that this phase can have severe and long-lasting effects on the victim's mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

The other options, such as acts of kindness or pledges to change, are typically associated with other phases of the cycle, such as the honeymoon phase, where there may be a temporary cessation of violence and gestures of reconciliation. However, they do not accurately describe the 'incident' phase, which is specifically characterized by the occurrence of violent behavior.