NCJ Number
150395
Journal
Behavioral Sciences and the Law Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1994) Pages: 215-234
Date Published
1994
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article outlines and evaluates the use of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis to explain, within the legal context, battered women's response to violence.
Abstract
The PTSD diagnosis is based on the presence of a traumatic stressor (usually one that threatens or causes actual harm to oneself, spouse, relatives or close friends); symptoms characterized as intrusive, avoidance, and arousal; and the occurrence of certain mediating and moderating influences. The application of the PTSD diagnosis to battered women is fairly recent; physical abuse, sexual abuse, threats of violence, and emotional abuse can all lead to PTSD symptomatology in the victims. PTSD may be used in expert testimony regarding battered women who retaliate against their abusers. General issues which are addressed here include the nature and extent of domestic violence, strategies for responding to violence and abuse, and the psychological impact of violence and abuse. Expert testimony is needed to address specific issues of substantive law defined by the particular type of legal case at hand, including criminal, tort, child custody, failure to protect, or child abuse. 89 references