The Defense for Women Who Kill Their Batterers
  • The Objective
  • Factors That Contribtue to Homicide in Relationships
    • Battered Woman Syndrome
    • Cycle of Violence
    • Self-Defense
  • Case By Case Review
    • Rose Parker
    • Lorie Hino-Boddie
    • Henrietta Briones
    • Barbara Seehan
    • Donna Williams
    • Andrea Yates
  • Domestic Violence Resources

Definition of Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS)

According to the Merrian-Webster Dictionary, Battered Woman Syndrome is defined as "Psychological and behavioral pattern displayed by female victims of domestic violence. Explanations that have evolved since the late 1970s include learned helplessness, a “cycle of violence” theory, and a form of post-traumatic stress disorder. The term is a legal concept rather than a psychiatric diagnosis and lacks clearly defined criteria. It has been used to support legal arguments of self-defense, diminished responsibility, or insanity when a woman is accused of murdering or assaulting her batterer, committing a crime under his coercion, or provoking the behaviour the batterer is on trial for. Critics say the term creates a stereotyped image inadequate to describe individual experiences.

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