Battered women's syndrome

NOTE: While men are also victims of domestic violence, the concept of battered woman syndrome typically refers only to women. For this reason, the following description will follow this format but recognizes that the same or a similar mindset could hold true for battered men as well.

Common Characteristics of Battered Women
have low self esteem
be a traditionalist about the home, may strongly believe in family unity and the prescribed feminine sex-role stereotype
accept responsibility for the batterer's actions
suffer from guilt, yet deny the terror and anger she feels
have severe stress reactions with psychophysiological complaints
use sex as a way to establish intimacy
believe that no one will be able to help her resolve her predicament

Common Characteristics of Batterers
have low self esteem
be a tradionalist believing in male supremacy and the stereotyped masculine sex role in the family
blame others for their actions
be pathologically jealous
present a dual personality
have severe stress reactions during which they use drinking and battering to cope
frequently use sex as an act of aggression to enhance self-esteem 
not believe the violent behavior should have negative consequence.

Similarities in Stories of Battered Women
initial surprise
unpredictability of acute battering incidents
overwhelming jealousy
unusual sexuality
lucid recall of the details of acute battering incidents
concealment
drinking
extreme psychological abuse
family threats
extraordinary terror through the use of guns and knives
omnipotence
awareness of death potential
Source: Walker, Lenore, The Battered Woman (1979)

Reaction of Women Being Beaten
Denial or minimization of the abuse: "It really wasn't that bad." It only happens every few months.
Self blame: "If I can figure out how to make him happy, I can prevent the battering.
Seeks help: goes to friends, relatives, clergy, shelters, or even to a motel.
Note: All these can be going on at once, they are not necessarily single steps.


If you feel you are being abused or know someone who is being abused call the National Domestic Violence hotline. 1-800-799-7233.