Domestic violence is a prevalent issue in today’s society, especially in terms of children and women. When a woman is in an abusive relationship, there are many individuals who question why they just can’t leave their significant other and the facts lie within battered woman syndrome. This psychological disorder is one of the main reasons as to why women find it quite difficult to leave their partners – even if they are abusive. In order to stop battered woman syndrome, it is important to first understand the impact that it has on society today.
25 Facts About Battered Woman Syndrome
1. 1 in 4 women will be a victim of battered woman syndrome in their lifetime.
2. Women are generally the victims of battered woman syndrome, although this disorder is also referred to as “battered person syndrome.”
3. Women between the ages of 20 and 24 are the most likely to being victims of battered woman syndrome.
4. Women are far more likely to be killed by their abusive partner than men.
5. 1 in 3 women who are victims of homicide were murdered by their abusive partner.
6. The majority of domestic violence issues are never reported.
7. There are 1500 shelters for women who are victims of battered woman syndrome.
8. 1 woman is beaten by their partner approximately every 15 seconds in the United States alone.
9. 85% of victims of domestic violence are women.
10. 40% to 60% of the calls that police officers receive at night are domestic violence Domestic abuse has the tendency to become more violent as time progresses.
11. 25% to 45% of women with battered woman syndrome were abused while they were pregnant.
12. 30% to 60% of abusers in a family abuse the children as well.
13. There are over $2.2 million worth of medical injuries due to battered woman syndrome on an annual basis.
14. Families with a lower income are 3 times more at-risk for being a victim of domestic violence.
15. 74% of Americans know or have known someone who was a victim of battered woman syndrome.
16. Battered woman syndrome happens to women of all different races, ages, and religions.
17. Battered woman syndrome is now classified as a subcategory of post-traumatic stress disorder.
18. In 1994, battered woman syndrome was responsible for over 100,000 days of being hospitalized, 30,000 different emergency room visits, and over 40,000 trips to family doctors.
19. 50% of the homeless women and children in the United States are victims of domestic abuse.
20. 50% of abusive men come from abusive backgrounds or extremely violent pasts.
21. The vast majority of battered woman cases are men/women rather than women/women violence.
22. Many women also turn to drugs and alcohol to help cope with the symptoms of battered woman syndrome.
23. The majority of abusers abuse their partners while they are sober, contrary to public belief.
24. 5% of male murders in the world are due to domestic violence.
Unlike many people believe, domestic violence is not an issue that only affects women as it can affect men just as easily. The act of this type of violence is essentially a violent dispute or confrontation between members of a family or household that results in physical harm. This could be in the form of sexual assault or even threatening the safety of an individual. When a man or a woman is confronted by domestic violence, the antagonist will use threats, intimidation, psychological abuse, and isolation to completely control the other person. Also it is important to note that the abuse may not happen constantly but even if it happens on one occasion, it can be classified as domestic violence.
As previously mentioned, battered woman syndrome is a derivative of domestic violence. As defined by Dr. Lenore E. Walker, there are 4 specific stages to battered woman syndrome that include:
1. The victim believes that the violence was/is their fault.
2. The victim is unable to assert the responsibility of the violence anywhere else.
3. The victim fears for their safety and the safety of others in their family.
4. The victim believes that the antagonist (abuser) is omnipresent.
Common Symptoms and Behaviors
With women who are affected by this detriment, there are an ample amount of physical and mental symptoms that will be exhibited. Considering that every person is different, some symptoms could be more prevalent than others. In the majority of battered women cases, the victims will begin to show small signs that will gradually become larger and easier to notice. The most common symptom of battered woman syndrome is depression due to the fact that the victim will begin to feel isolated from their friends and family and feel as if they are unable to talk about their problems with anyone. Generally they will begin to distance themselves from public functions and conversations either at the fault of the abuser or their own personal preference. The majority of the time the abuser will prevent the victim from seeing their family or friends in fear of their abuse becoming noticed and to keep control of their partner.
Treatment Options
In order to successfully escape from a relationship that is abusive the women will not only need to seek the assistance of a therapist but to also distance themselves from the abuser entirely. The most typical steps for treatment include:
1. Getting out of the house and living with a friend or family member that is both emotionally supportive and protective.
2. Obtaining a restraining order to have a legal binding document that states that the abuser is to stay a certain distance away from the victim at all times. This step is especially necessary if the victim has children.
3. Seeking the assistance of a therapist as they will be able to guide you through a variety of therapeutic practices to help you to realize the detriments of remaining in a relationship with an abusive partner.
4. Rebuilding their life is the next step as life without their abusive partner will be incredibly different. This is where they will need the assistance of friends and family members the most to ensure that they do not fall into the same abusive routine again.
Battered woman syndrome is one of the many different psychological disorders that can become more dangerous over an extended period of time. If you or anyone that you know is a victim of this condition, it is imperative that you seek the assistance of a mental health professional as soon as possible. Much like other forms of mental and physical abuse, there are stages associated with battered woman syndrome that can make it incredibly difficult for a woman to leave their relationship. One of the largest concerns is that even the strongest women find it nearly impossible to leave an abusive situation, even if they have children. For the women who find the strength to leave an abusive relationship, an ample amount of them wind up in public shelters as they are unable to find housing elsewhere. With that being said, this worldwide detriment can occur to