NCJ Number
148801
Date Published
1994
Length
149 pages
Annotation
This book addresses the overwhelming need of abused women to end their abusive relationships or to find a way to end the abuse in the relationship.
Abstract
The battered woman syndrome described here is a sociological theory of the effects a sustained pattern of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse have on both the battered woman and her abuser. Battered women who kill their abusers cease to suffer the symptoms of this syndrome once the battered no longer poses a threat to their physical or emotional safety. Characteristics of battered women include fear, economic and emotional dependence on the batterer, guilt, the belief that no one can help them, and isolation. The cycle of violence theory, which describes the tension- building, acute battering, and extreme contrition stages of the battering behavior, is still widely accepted among experts. This book examines facets of the abusive relationship, the definitions men and women have of love, and the characteristics of domestic abusers. Because there are usually no witnesses to domestic violence, the credibility of female victims and their abusers becomes a key factor is deciding what legal action to take in a particular case. The book also discusses the role of the prosecutor is combating domestic violence and the destruction of the family unit as a result of abuse.