NCJ Number
92700
Journal
Victimology Volume: 8 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (1983) Pages: 82-104
Date Published
1983
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The results of this study support the hypothesis that battered women who come from all demographic groups develop psychological sequelae that can be considered to constitute the battered woman syndrome.
Abstract
These symptoms are adopted as a survival technique in a situation that is filled with violence. We found sufficient evidence to conclude that the battered woman's terror is appropriate and her fears that separation would make the violence worse were accurate. Thus, we must be careful that, when we label battered women as victims, we do not ascribe characteristics to them that misinterpret the purpose for which they adopt these behaviors. While experiences in childhood and those from living in a battering relationship have an impact on the woman's current state, described as learned helplessness, they appear to interfere with the battered woman's ability to successfully stop the batterer's violence toward her after he initiates it. The Walker Cycle Theory of Violence, which demonstrates a predictable pattern to the abuse, was upheld by the data. Reducing the reinforcement or changing the cost-benefit ratio in these relationships is suggested as an effective strategy in ending the violence by terminating the relationship. Victimology theory needs to be revised in light of these results. Women do not remain in battering relationships because of their psychological need to be a victim; but, rather, because of the overt or subtle encouragement by a sexist society. (Author abstract)