Abstract This paper presents information regarding the nature of aggressive relationships, as well as the psychological consequences ensuing from recurring abuse. Specifically, studies and laws relating to the battered woman syndrome are highlighted in order to elucidate the occurrence of repeated abuse that form a battered woman's insights, making her believe that she is in danger of impending death or physical injury.
From the Paper "Domestic assault is frequently fraction of a much bigger system of controlling, forcing, threatening, as well as violent behaviors employed by a batterer to restrain the victim. The violence reasons"or probably will reason"a considerable gap in authority and sovereignty amid the batterer and the victim, as well as it harshly compromises the victim's sovereignty."
Abstract This paper discusses the development of the concept of the battered wife and the use of the battered wife syndrome defense in a court of law. It then goes on to discuss the equality of this law and the emergence of the battered husband defense. The paper argues that the courts need to look at each case on its own merits with the same criteria for both men and women.
From the Paper "Many individuals are upset about this decision. Given the unequal treatment of women over the history of the United States and that there still exist questions of equality of the two genders in many aspects of society, it is understandable that those who support women's rights are not pleased about this ruling. Also, much of this concern rightly comes from the fact that many battered women have been left unprotected by a society that refused to protect them. When many of these women chose life over death, they were prosecuted and had to spend many years improperly imprisoned. Those in the legal profession did not know or care enough or were too biased to defend these women based on their abusive situations."
Tags: rights PTSD trauma rational, domestic violence
Abstract This paper examines battered women syndrome (BWS), women who serve indeterminate life sentences for killing a spouse or intimate partner that was abusing them. It provides a history of BWS, looks at the 'types' of batterings that lead to this syndrome such as physical and sexual and evaluates parole in the state of California by reviewing recent events. It analyzes various cases of women who are eligible for parole, but are not paroled. The paper leans toward the side of battered women who have served their sentences and should be granted parole.
From the Paper "There are many elements to Battered Women's Syndrome, which makes the definition of this phenomenon broad and complex. The predominant types of battering that lead to this syndrome are physical, sexual, and psychological battering (NVADV). Battering may include emotional abuse, economic abuse, sexual abuse, using children, threats, using male privilege, intimidation, isolation, and a variety of other behaviors used to maintain fear, intimidation and power. The California Board of Prison Terms defines BWS as a series of common characteristics that appear in women who are physically and/or psychologically abused, over an extended period of time, by a dominant male figure in their lives (BPT). In all cultures, the perpetrators are most commonly the men of the family."
Abstract The findings of research studies over time have been consistent in associating the phenomenon of intimate partner violence with intergenerational transmission, low socioeconomic status, social and structural stress, social isolation and personality factors of both perpetrators and victims. This paper shows that most prior research in the area of intimate partner violence has focused on the identification and assessment of inter-individual variations in behaviors and life experiences. An alternative approach to such research is a focus on intra-individual variations in the behaviors of individuals involved in intimate partner relationships. Literature is reviewed in this paper in support of a proposed study that will investigate the metamotivational states of male batterers through a focus on intra-individual variations within a framework of reversal theory. Following the literature review, research questions and hypotheses are developed for the study proposed to investigate the metamotivational states or modes of male batterers.
From the Paper "Self-awareness theory is concerned with the ways through which individuals control and direct their behavior (Wicklund, 1975). Within a sociological context, the relationship between self-awareness and social identity is perceived as a realization by an individual of variations between their own self-image and the ideal self-image associated with a salient reference group, and a response by an individual to such a realization (Abrams, 1994). Within the context of cognitive psychology, the self-awareness/social identity relationship is described in "terms of control theory, in which negative feedback loops operate to enable individuals to match their behaviour to particular standards" (Abrams, 1994, pp. 90-91)."
A research paper which proves that criminal law in America has failed to provide a defense that adequately protects women suffering from Battered Women's Syndrome.
2,900 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 106.95
Abstract Battered Women's Syndrome, or BWS, is a very complex psychological problem facing criminal courts today and has caused great debate on whether or not it should even be allowed in the courtroom. United States courtrooms, instead of protecting battered women, have put these women on trial and found them guilty of murder.
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the case study by Fraser and Crittendon and the problem facing battered women in the United States today. It then provides a SWOT analysis of the organization, Battered Women Fighting Back! Relevant recommendations and a summary of the research are provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "While there has been some progress made in recent years to help battered women in the United States deal with their problem, the issue remains at the forefront of the public's attention thanks to the efforts of authors such as Jennifer Fraser and Victoria L. Crittendon. In their case study, "Battered Women Fighting Back!," Fraser and Crittendon provide an overview of how the organization was started as a prison-based support group in 1992 by Stacey Kabat. Over the years, the group's focus expanded to include providing educational materials and services designed to increase public awareness of the problems facing battered women and what could be done to ameliorate the situation."
Abstract This six-page paper deals with Battered Women's Syndrome and how the Law has had trouble recognizing the issue. However it also discusses and illustrates how the US senate has recognized this problem of Violent Acts against women.
Abstract 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."
Abstract This paper discusses how domestic violence has rightfully evolved from a domestic issue to a serious crime. It explains that this change was the result of many factors: feminist activism, government recommendations, research studies, law suites, and the media raising the public's awareness. The writer points out that by the early 1990s, meaningful changes in the legal system were implemented and domestic violence was finally deemed a federal crime in 1994. The paper concludes that legal reform is still a work in progress - now that domestic violence laws have been strengthened, prevention, treatment, and understanding are the new frontiers for change.
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Historical Background
3.0 Scope of Problem before Legal Reform
4.0 Impetus for Change
4.1 1970s, Battered Women's Movement
4.2 1977 Studies in Detroit and Kansas City
4.3 Batter's Intervention Services/Education/Treatment Programs, Early 1980s
4.4 Individual and Institutional Advocacy Became Common, Early 1980s
4.5 The 1984 Attorney General's Task Force Report on Family Violence
4.6 The 1984 Minneapolis Domestic Violence Experiment
4.7 Thurman v. Torrington, 1985
4.8 Media Attention, 1980s
5.0 Resulting Changes
5.1 Late 1970s
5.2 Early and Mid 1980s
5.3 Late 1980s
5.4 Early 1990s
6.0 Room for Improvement
6.1 Prevention
6.2 Treatment
6.3 Stereotyping
7.0 Conclusion
From the Paper "Today, there is a view that domestic violence is a wrong that should be righted in every state in this country (Model Code on Domestic and Family Violence, 1994, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges). Empowered by stronger domestic abuse laws, legislators, government administrators, law enforcement, courts, attorneys, the medical and health care community, advocates and providers of services to victims, corrections and providers of treatment for offenders, educators, and volunteers now form a wide network to protect the rights of domestic abuse victims. However, this wasn't always the case.
As this paper reveals, until the late 1970s, law enforcement treated domestic violence as a family issue rather than a crime. As the scope of the domestic violence issue grew, feminists, the government, researchers, the courts and the media had to work very hard to create impetus for change. Progress was slow. Only minor changes in the legal system occurred throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Beginning in the early 1990s, meaningful changes took hold and the legal system and police have moved in the right direction. Yet, there's still more work to be done in prevention, treatment and the recognition that heterosexual women aren't the only victims of domestic violence."
An analysis of a qualitative research report on battered women, welfare and the family violence option entitled, ''In Their Own Words: Battered Women, Welfare and the Family Violence Option" written by J.L. Postmus".
Abstract The paper comments on a research document in which the writer was to record and highlight the needs that mentally and physically abused women required, with regard to the family violence option (FVO) and welfare. The paper stresses that the research is necessary to nursing to indicate that the system did not recognize the requirements of the victims who wished to be freed from their previous spouses. The paper also highlights the inefficiency of this method of attending to the victim's requirements. The paper continues in detail with the manner in which information was collected. The paper summarizes the outcome of the study in which an outlook is presented on the participation of FVO, welfare and domestic violence shelters in assisting women.
Outline:
Statement of the phenomenon of interest
Purpose
Methodology
Sampling
Data collection
Data analysis
Findings
Conclusions, implications and recommendations
From the Paper "Furthermore, the researcher made clear the strategies to analyze the data, which could be reproduced in similar studies. Yes; the study participants recognize the experiences as their own. Their experiences and insights are documented. In addition, these experiences reflected the women's views, whether or not they were congruent with the researcher's expectations. The research was presented in a logical manner and in a way that the researcher's thoughts are conveyed clearly even if the reader is not familiar with qualitative research."
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that any person who works in the area of domestic violence knows from experience that alcoholism is positively correlated with domestic violence. However, the writer notes that it is inaccurate to suggest that alcoholism creates domestic violence; the mere fact that many alcoholics are not violent belies that statement. The writer discusses that drinking can be a catalyst for assaultive behavior, though it does not cause that behavior; domestic violence and alcoholism are two separate problems, and that the resolution of them requires approaches specifically geared to each individual problem. The writer concludes that while alcohol abuse may be only one of many factors contributing to domestic violence in a home, it seems reasonable to suggest that treating alcohol addiction in either batterers or victims is likely to lead to an overall reduction in violence in the home. However, the because sobriety can increase violence in some batterers,and victim sobriety can increase the risk faced by each individual victim, the primary goal in intervention should be to ensure safety and then focus on sobriety.
From the Paper "Furthermore, if the victim is the alcoholic, then episodes of drinking may precede episodes of domestic abuse, because as the alcohol dulls inhibitions, the victim may engage in behavior that he or she knows is likely to result in domestic abuse. Finally, it is frequently the case that both partners are alcoholics, which exacerbates the problem even further.
"It is important to look at the impact of an alcoholic victim on domestic violence. The following is not mean to suggest that alcoholics are deserving victims of domestic assaults, but to inform people about the correlation between domestic violence and assaults. Substance abuse, predominantly alcoholism, is thought to contribute to at least half of all cases of intimate partner violence. Moreover, women with drinking problems are significantly more likely to be the victims of verbal and physical aggression by their partners than are non-alcoholic women."
This paper analyzes the problem of battered women using a Problem-Policy-Provision-Feedback analysis: Incidence, social and personal effects, childhood causes, social services, stressors, family issues and education and assessment. Tables.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 17 sources, 1994, $ 95.95
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to analyze a social problem using a Problem-Policy-Provision-Feedback analysis. The social problem selected for this analysis is the problem of battered women, defined as women who are physically and/or emotionally abused by their spouses and boyfriends.
The Problem
At least two million women are yearly battered by their husbands or boyfriends in the United States.
There is no place so violent as home. About half of all rapes occur there. It is in the privacy of the home, both in cramped flats and in grand neocolonials ... "
Abstract Examines why female victims of domestic abuse don't leave the abusive relationship. Issues of denial of violence, delay of treatment or help. Three phases of domestic violence and abuse. Three-stage cycle of violence. Need for intervention for IVP (Intimate Partner Violence) in emergency departments of hospitals or physician's office. Two types of batterers.
From the Paper "Standing By Their Man: Battered Women Who Don't Leave
A battered woman is faced with repeated acts of violence by her intimate partner (IP), who is can be a husband, boyfriend, or former spouse (Help for the. . ., 2000). Such abuse may be physical, sexual, and/or psychological, and can lead to serious physical or psychological damage and, in some instance, even to death. Over one-third of all female murder victims are killed by their male partners, a statistic indicative of the degree to which domestic violence has become commonplace in American society (Help for the. . ., 2000).
At issue herein is the important question of when, why and how female victims of domestic abuse elect to leave the abusive relationship. In conducting preliminary research for this topic, a major difficulty was encountered: for the most part, the ..."
