NCJ Number
73141
Date Published
1979
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This film explores why women stay in battering relationships through interviews with a psychologist, a minister, human service personnel, and the women themselves.
Abstract
Women stay because of lack of available shelter, fear of reprisal, economic dependency, the problem of what to do with young children, and the hope that things will improve. A psychologist points out that the more traditional attitudes of some battered women may also play a role. In addition, according to a minister, battered women are often ashamed to discuss their problem openly. The film also shows women members of a discussion group talking about such problems as lack of police response to battering, lack of help from family or relatives, and fear of loneliness. A sensitivity group leader is also shown who suggests that battered women are, in fact, victims of assault and that society's tendency to blame the victim is a defense mechanism against guilt and fear. Interviews are shown with battered women in shelters who discuss some of the support and help they have found within the shelter.