Battered Women Syndrome

Paper Summary:

A look at the legal response to domestic violence as well as the law enforcements attitude to this problems. It examines possible solutions that may improve the way these agencies handle domestic violence cases. Part II provides legal definitions of domestic violence, Part III explains the usual dynamics of this form of violence. Part IV attempts to understand the battered woman and Part V looks at the criminal justice system's response to battered women. Part VI examines police officer's attitude to domestic violence and Part VII looks at the criminal justice system and domestic violence. The paper concludes with suggestions for improvement in this dealing with this crime.

From the Paper:

"Domestic violence is one of the most serious, yet least understood problems facing our nation today. This issue is especially troubling because of the unusual dynamics associated with domestic violence; unlike other crimes such as carjacking, random violence, and robbery where the offender and victim are usually strangers, battered women are often highly dependent on their partners for economic support and may be reluctant to leave out of fear or love. Another reason why domestic violence is so troubling is the lack of effective intervention and knowledge that exists among members of the criminal justice system, law enforcement, and public. The attitude that "domestic violence is a family matter, not a crime" which has long existed in society has contributed to this lack of knowledge and is one of the reasons why domestic violence still remains a largely "hidden" problem. Finally, the limited number of economic resources and shelters which are available to battered women also contributes to this problem; women who finally gather the courage and strength needed to leave their batterer may be forced to remain in the abusive situation or to return because the shelters are full or because they may be unable to find a job."

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