The Battered Woman Syndrome

Abstract

The third edition of the "Battered Woman Syndrome" integrates new research findings about the Battered Woman Syndrome and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder together with the findings from thirty years ago when Walker first proposed such a syndrome. Six criteria have been found to constitute the Battered Woman Syndrome. These include the three groups of symptoms found in all who have developed PTSD such as reexperiencing the trauma, high levels of anxiety and arousal, and high levels of avoidance behaviors through depression, denial and minimization of the harm women are exposed to. The next three groups are specific to battered women. These include disrupted interpersonal relationships because of the isolation, power and control by the batterer, distorted body image and physical health, and sexual issues.Using data collected from multiple countries around the world, this new edition looks at attachment issues for battered women and the men who batter them, the relationship with substance abuse and risk factors for further abuse. The impact these issues have on the psychological health of battered women and treatment programs that can help women heal are also provided in this new edition. A special section is on working with women involved in the criminal justice system including battered women who kill their abusive partners in self-defense.