Every year many women are diagnosed with battered woman’s syndrome because of the emotional and physical abuse they have experienced from their abuser. If you are being abused get help now! To help understand the signs and symptoms of battered woman’s syndrome and what you can do to get help if you are being abused, I have interviewed intern therapist Sylvia Pritchett.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
“I graduated from National University in 2010 with a M.A. degree in counseling psychology, and currently work as a therapist at Healthy Community Counseling with a variety of clients. My focus is on co-dependence, male and female victims of domestic violence, and couples counseling. I also run a monthly workshop titled ‘Living with a Loved One’s Addiction.'”
What is battered woman’s syndrome?
“Battered women syndrome is a form of post traumatic stress disorder. It is often used to defend mostly women in a court of law who murdered or committed violent acts against their abuser.
In order for a woman to be considered battered, she has to have gone through at least two cycles of violence. This cycle generally consists of three phases, first the tension building phase, then the explosion phase, followed by the honeymoon phase. Women suffering from battered women syndrome do not leave their abuser despite ongoing abuse for various reasons. One of those reasons is the Stockholm syndrome. It is a survival mechanism in which the victim identifies the abuser as the one their life depends on. Four factors contribute to Stockholm syndrome: threat, caretaking by the abuser of the victim (honeymoon phase), restrictions imposed by the abuser, and the belief that there is no escape from the abuser. Survival becomes dependent on pleasing, appeasing, and obeying the abuser. Other factors include economical reasons, threats made by the abuser to harm or kill self or others, cultural pressure to stay within the marriage, the feeling that it is more dangerous to leave than to stay, low or lost self-esteem, and lack of energy.
What are the signs and symptoms of battered woman’s syndrome?
Women suffering from battered women syndrome have low or no self-esteem, believe that the abuser is omnipresent and omniscient (some women still fear the abuser after he has died), have a definite belief that the abuser is capable of killing them or their children, and also that the violence is their fault alone.
What type of impact does battered woman’s syndrome have on a woman?
“The impact on women is great. It leaves the victims with low or no self-esteem and learned helplessness. Learned helplessness is a state where victims have learned that no matter what they do, they will be abused, since the abuser generally commits violent acts to relieve his own tension, not for any particular act the victim committed. This learned helplessness could lead to a sort of psychological paralysis, where the victims become unable to act or make decisions. It also is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse, and physical injuries. Many battered women isolate themselves, if the abuser hasn’t already done so, out of embarrassment or to shield the abuser.”
What type of help is available for someone who has battered woman’s syndrome?
“There are many local and on-line resources available. Your local women’s shelter is a great place to start. Law enforcement can help or get you in touch with local resources if you are not sure where to go. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (www.hotline.org 1-800-799-SAFE (7322)) is available 24/7. Often family, friends and neighbors are much more willing to help than the victim realizes. Churches often offer programs to help victims of domestic violence. Getting individual counseling isn’t always possible, but if it is can greatly help the victim to regain self-worth and perspective.”
What advice would you like to leave for someone who has battered woman’s syndrome?
“Know that you are not alone. Know that no one deserves to be hit. Love should never hurt. Local women shelters have many resources for women not yet ready to leave or who are even just contemplating whether or not they are indeed in an abusive relationship. It takes many women 5-7 times to leave their abuser for good. Never think that just because you went back, people won’t want to help anymore. Ask your local shelter to help you with a safe exit plan if you are ready to leave. Many women survive domestic violence situations, regain their self-esteem, and go on to lead rewarding lives. You deserve the same!”
Thank you Sylvia Pritchett for doing the interview on battered woman’s syndrome. For more information on Sylvia Pritchett or her work you can check out her website on www.Sylviapritchett.com.
Recommended Readings:
How to top Being a Victim of Verbal Abuse
How to Forgive an Abusive Parent
Preparing Abuse Survivors For Birth
