A nurse is listening to a client who is a victim of intimate partner violence. The client is describing how events would unfold with the partner. The nurse interprets the client's statements and identifies which action as characteristic of the second phase of the cycle of violence?

A The batterer is contrite and attempts to apologize for the behavior. D Verbal assaults begin to escalate toward the victim. C The physical battery is abrupt and unpredictable. B The victim accepts the anger as legitimately directed at him or her.