Battered Woman Syndrome - Treatment, Symptoms and Causes

More often than not, it is women who feature prominently as victims of domestic abuse and hence the tag “battered women syndrome” is more common than its counterpart, “battered man syndrome”. As of last year, nearly a whopping 22 million women reported being assaulted, and in nearly most of the cases, the preparator turned out to be their better half, their partner. Often, this abuse runs so deep and includes everything from physical, emotional abuse to subjecting her to financial stress, psychological terror and even downright torture. The woman who undergoes such abuse for prolonged periods of time soon develops all the characteristic signs of battered woman syndrome.

Domestic abuse is a serious issue, one that has ramifications for the whole family – from impacting the woman’s health to psychologically handicapping her so that she is no longer able to function as a normal human being. This is why, you need to pay attention to some of the common signs of domestic abuse should you come across the same and report the same to the concerned authorities before it becomes too late. The sad part is that most of the women involved in an abusive relationship tend to stick with the relationship DESPITE the abuse in their hope of keeping their family together.

While there are various factors which result in domestic abuse and cause several women to put up with the same, some of the most common ones generally are –

• Ego and the need to dominate: Domestic abuse and violence often stems as a result of an over-inflated ego and the pressing need to dominate their other half. More women fall victim to domestic abuse as a result of the same and as a result are made to feel completely worthless.

• Financial dependence:  Women often put up with the cycle of abuse because they are financially dependent on their spouse and as a result, often find it hard to challenge the abuser or even to walk out of the relationship.

• Extreme low self-esteem: Women who have a low self-esteem often fall victim to domestic abuse and violence because they believe they deserve it and thus, allow the cycle of abuse to repeat itself.

• Trying to keep the family together

Some of the most common symptoms associated with domestic abuse and violence are listed below; if you do note one of your friends or loved ones displaying the same, then you need to set up an intervention and even push your friend to seek immediate counselling.

• Blames herself – The victim often blames herself for the abuse as a result of low self-esteem; and when confronted with evidence of abuse, will go to any extent to deny the same.

• Dresses unconventionally: It is not unheard of for women to physical signs of abuse by wearing long sleeved dresses including long skirts even in hot weather. If your friend shows a preference for such dresses even in peak summer, chances are she is trying to hide signs of abuse.

• Displays signs of anxiety when her spouse walks into the room

• Displays indications of being depressed

When you do spot your friend, or loved one displaying signs of domestic abuse, it is important that you take her to see a counsellor. It may be a good idea to get your friend to seek psychiatric counselling as well, to help offset the effects of long term domestic abuse and violence. She may feel a little anxious but with regular counselling, she should be able to get her life back on track.

As for the abusive relationship, more often than not most abusers find it hard to believe that they have been abusing their wives. And when confronted with the evidence, immediately start displaying signs of being contrite. But sooner or later, the same cycle of abuse will repeat itself, this is why it is important that your friend seeks out counselling at the earliest and puts an end to the perpetual cycle of abuse at the earliest.

When it comes to domestic violence, there is no better cure than ending the abusive relationship, once and for all. However, some domestic abuse victims often consider their children, and are willing to put up with the cycle of abuse for the same reason. They often rationalize that they can reason with the abuser but the reality is that rationalizing abuse is not going to help prevent that from occurring again. This is why it is important for the woman to seek out immediate counselling, even go as a couple for relationship counselling and seek an immediate cessation to all acts of abuse.

The woman in question may face a few withdrawal symptoms, stemming from being a victim of domestic abuse for prolonged periods of time. Some of these are depression, OCD, severe anxiety, inability to relate to others and much more.