Everything You Need To Know About Battered Woman Syndrome 

Battered woman syndrome, also known as battered person syndrome, is a result of long-term domestic abuse. This syndrome can be considered a subcategory of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Someone living with battered women syndrome might have an intense feeling of helplessness. This causes them to believe that they deserve the abuse and have no way to get away from it. The article aims to provide insight into battered women syndrome and various factors associated with it.  

What Is Battered Woman Syndrome?

In many instances, you might have someone close to you who’s a victim of domestic abuse. But they tend to wonder why they stay with a toxic partner who abuses them daily. Well, this is where the battered woman syndrome comes into place.  

The term “battered woman syndrome” came into existence when psychologist Dr. Lenore Walker described the same in her 1979 book. At that time, the term only described the behavior that is caused whilst living with a violent partner. However, with time, many realized that anyone could become a victim of domestic violence, be it women or men. In recent times, the term has been changed to “intimate partner violence.”  

Battered woman syndrome is a product of long-term domestic abuse. This condition usually arises from post-traumatic stress disorder. Moreover, women who are diagnosed with this psychological issue tend to feel helpless. This results in them wrongly believing that they deserve the abuse and have no path to get away from it. Due to this, such women often do not feel the urge to report the abuse to law enforcement or their loved ones.  

Stages Of Battered Woman Syndrome

Not all victims of domestic violence face the same kind of treatment. Every case tends to be unique from the next one. Due to this, battered woman syndrome might not look the same to those who live with the same. Generally, there are four stages of battered woman syndrome.  

Stage 1 – Denial  

The person facing domestic abuse is unable to accept that they are being abused. Or they might be justifying that it happened only once.  

Stage 2- Guilt  

The person thinks they are the ones who caused the abuse.  

Stage 3 – Enlightenment  

During this phase, the abused woman finally realizes that they do not deserve the abuse. This leads to acknowledgment that their partner has an abusive personality.  

Stage 4 – Responsibility  

This is the last stage where the woman accepts that the abuser holds responsibility for the abuse. Moreover, in many cases, this is when they will explore the options of leaving the relationship.  

How Does Battered Woman Syndrome Develop?

Battered woman syndrome is generally caused by domestic abuse. At the same time, it might occur between intimate partners. But it also falls under the umbrella of domestic abuse, which also includes child and elder abuse.  

Moreover, battered woman syndrome arising from domestic violence between two intimate partners follows a particular cycle.  

• The abuser will win over a new partner. This is often through moving too quickly into a relationship with strategies like “love bombing,” grand romantic gestures, and pressuring for early commitment.  
• The abuser will become emotionally or physically abusive. Moreover, this often starts with small gestures like a slap instead of a punch or punching the wall next to their partner.  
• The abuser often feels guilty, swearing they’ll not repeat the same thing. Moreover, they’ll also become overly romantic in winning over their partner.  
• There shall be a temporary “honeymoon” period where the abuser shall be on their best behavior. This is done to lure the partner into thinking they’re safe and things can be different.  
• Abuse will occur, and the cycle repeats all over again.  

Women can be trapped in an abusive relationship for a variety of reasons. These are as follows.  

• The victim is financially dependent on the abuser, which the abuser often manufactures.  
• The desire to have a complete family unit for the sake of one’s children.  
• Afraid of leaving the relationship.  
• Disbelief or denial that the partner is abusive.  
• Severe depression or low self-esteem that makes them think that the abuse is their fault.  
• Believes that the abuser loves them and it’s okay. Along with the hope of changing their behavior.  

As a woman becomes trapped in the cycle of abuse, battered woman syndrome tends to develop. Moreover, this syndrome makes it difficult for individuals to regain control of their lives.  

The Signs Of A Battered Woman Syndrome

There are a variety of signs and distinct symptoms. A woman in an abusive relationship can have these signs.  

• Think the abuse is their fault.  

• Tries to hide the abuse from their friends and family.  
• Fear of their life or the lives of their children. 
• Believes that the abuser is all-knowing and can see their every movement.  
• Be afraid and confused about what side of their partner they’ll see on that day – a loving partner or an abuser.  

Warning Signs Of Battered Woman Syndrome  

One of the criteria to consider is that if you suspect that your family member or friend is involved in an abusive relationship and needs help, watch for some signs that can tell you the same. These include: 

• Withdrawing and making excuses for not going to see friends or family or do those activities they loved or were formerly worked with, on which their abuser is controlling them. 
• In detail, they are fidgety and somehow nervous around their partner or frightened by him. 
• Suffering frequent bruises and injuries, in this case, they always try to lie or make up a story they can’t recall. 
• Having no or limited sources of cash, the other means of payment, or transport in your reach. 
• The conflict between the manager and the project presenter manifests as a gap in their attitudes. 
• When communicating with the significant other, there are constant phone calls that the fiance needs to check or call him back, which is exhausting. 
• Standing next to someone who is occasionally in a bad mood, gets jealous and aggressive sometimes, or is very possessive. 
• Sporting a dress that needs to be duly concealing the hickeys, that is, the summertime sleeves. 

Battered Woman Syndrome and Self-Defense

Intimate partner violence has become an issue that is being attended by the family and criminal law of many states. It is also considered in the cases of self-defense on the side of the abused IPV victim who kills or injures their abusive partner. In the eyes of the courts, this emotional condition indicates the defendant’s intentions, and it can be perceived as a mitigating circumstance. 

An example of this is a court deciding that a victim of domestic violence was afraid for their safety and retaliated against their abuser when they endangered them. Justice agencies are known to attach this, given the victim’s situation and the abuser’s behavior. 

The admissibility of the “battered woman syndrome” defense has also been questioned in criminal cases. Of course, the one who plays this defense frequently provides an expert witness in the criminal court. A specialist psychiatrist of the defense team will provide evidence through his or her testimony in court. The witness will further describe the complex cycle of the abusive relationship. They offer insight into how an abusive partner affects the victim’s viewpoint contrasted to that of a reasonable person. The prosecution will also ask questions related to how the victims do not come forward due to the abuse. 

Intimate partner violence is not uncommon at divorce and custody hearings, too. 

If you or your partner are a victim of intimate partner violence and may be suffering from DV, kindly call your local police authorities and local support organizations. One has many ways in which they can seek help. 

How Can An Attorney Help With Battered Woman Syndrome? 

The impact of domestic violence, as a general term, can be severe. Last but not least, after getting medical and emotional support, you are advised to contact an attorney with expertise in family law so that you may be able to exercise your legal rights. These options may include restraining orders or shelter orders of protection being ordered and altering child custody, if any. In the cases of family members of married couples, a petition for spousal support could address the victim’s concern about financial issues. An attorney can fight for your rights and ensure you and your loved ones get through this ordeal unharmed. 

Final Words  

Now you have a better idea regarding the symptoms and ways to fight battered woman syndrome. If you are someone who is a victim or knows someone who is a victim of domestic abuse, make sure you consult with an experienced family law attorney to have a consultation regarding the best course of action that can be taken. Best of luck.

Read more…
Everything You Need To Know About Walk Away Wife Syndrome
Can You Recant Your Domestic Violence Statement
What Is a Court-Appointed Guardian in Family Law?