The Battered Woman Syndrome

Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS) is a psychological condition that can develop in individuals who experience ongoing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse by a partner. It can lead to feelings of helplessness, fear, and inability to leave the abusive situation, even when escape seems possible. BWS can affect a person’s perception of reality and decision-making, sometimes influencing their responses in legal cases, such as self-defense claims. Recognized by courts as a form of trauma, BWS highlights the severe impact long-term abuse can have on a person’s mental health and behavior.