What is a possible outcome once the 'incident' phase has been experienced?

The outcome where the victim believes the abuser will change is valid in many situations following the 'incident' phase, especially in the context of abusive relationships. This belief can often be rooted in a cycle of violence, where the abuser may express remorse after an incident, leading the victim to hope for improvement and a return to normalcy. This hope can stem from emotional attachments, past positive experiences, or manipulated promises from the abuser, contributing to the victim’s cognitive dissonance about the relationship.

In abusive dynamics, it's common for the victim to hold onto the idea that the abuser can change. This outcome reflects a psychological mechanism to cope with the trauma and denial of the severity of the abuse. The victim's desire for a healthier relationship and belief in potential change can profoundly affect their decisions and emotional state.

The other possible outcomes, such as the victim and abuser becoming friends, leaving immediately, or the abuser seeking therapy alone, typically do not reflect the complexities of such abusive situations. Friendships post-incident are unlikely if the relationship is characterized by abuse; leaving immediately requires a level of readiness and external support that may not be present, while the abuser seeking therapy alone often does not consider the possibility that therapy might not be