Battered Women Syndrome?

Question

You hear about this more and more, women do a terrible thing and are excused due to battered women syndrome. I've seen women get away with murder, sexual abuse, and general violence due to this defense. Don't get me wrong, I know all about the effects of years of domestic abuse..my Mom has worked in a women's shelter since I was born. I do have sympathy for these women. But is this fair that a woman can serve an extremely light sentence for terrible crimes? Would this be the same for men? What do you think? Please explain.

Answer 1

First, I would like to say I am female and that I know that Battered Women Syndrome is a very real thing and that many woman suffer greatly in abusive relationships and I am very sympathetic.  However, having said that, I would also like to say that I have met many very abusive woman in my lifetime, some in my own family.  These woman are as abusive to their children and mates as some men are to the women in their relationships.  Actually, it has been my experience that the only abusers that I know are woman.  The thing is no attention has been placed on the abusive woman in our society.  Women also kill.  This happened recently in my community; a 12 year old girl was murdered by her mother.  The whole thing reminded me of Susan Smith who murdered her two sons.  The woman from my area appeared on the news that same way Smith did, in tears, pleading for her daughter's safe return.  The mother had reported her daughter missing (it was known that she and her daughter had argued just before she went missing) and the whole community rushed to her aid.  The missing girl received a lot of press coverage, as did the mother who always portrayed herself as a loving, grief-stricken mother.  The girl's body was found 3 weeks later and the mother was recently charged with the murder of her daughter.  Apparently, the police suspected foul play from the beginning and the mother had always been a suspect.

The point I am trying to make is that every situation should be looked at objectively on a case by case basis and should not be influenced by statistical conclusions.  I don't think there is a level playing field between men and women as far as the law is concerned in these situations.  A woman trapped in an abusive relationship and honestly suffering from Battered Woman Syndrome should have that as an integral and valid part of her defense.  On the other hand, there are relationships where both parties are abusive; but it is the man that will get the attention as the abuser and the woman, equally abusive, could easily take advantage of the situation. This type of woman could very easily escape an abusive situation but chooses to stay because both parties, for whatever reasons, thrive in this type of relationship.  That is why each case should be dealt with on an individual basis and the woman should be looked at as hard as the man would be looked at if the circumstances were reversed.

It is the battered children of these women that concerns me the most.

Answer 2

It really depends on each individual situation. Perpetrators of violent crimes can be very controlling people and know how to influence their side-kicks. I don't think saying you were beaten automatically gets you off the hook for crimes but it has to be considered what kind of mental, emotional and physical pressure the woman was under.

Answer 3

I think if the man who commits a crime can show that they too have 'issues' or 'battered man syndrome', just as a woman would have to in court, the sentence should reflect that.

I work with abused children, and I don't allow them to use their history as a crutch for explaining their violent behaviors. BUT if a child was to have an episode where they "snap" and are blinded by their rage, act impulsively and unknowingly cause damage or injury...... their history does play a part in the determination of what action to take with them.

Answer 4

If she kills her huband defending her self in the middle of him beating the c**p out of her, thats one thing, everything else is murder.

Answer 5

When people commit violence for self-defense or self-preservation, then it's not considered the same as attacking someone.

When the person has "diminished capacity" to reason, it's not treated the same as other acts.

Answer 6

I've have seen women go to jail for defending their selves against physical abuse from an miserable partner.  As if we don't the right to defend ourselves from violence or others form of abuse. I don't know where did you see women been excused,  I see all the time women being punished. Maybe we don't live in the same planet.

Answer 7

it can be used as a defence for men aswell, yes

Answer 8

We must all be held accountable for our actions, regardless of our experiences.  I realize this sounds very cut and dried, but with such a spotlight on abuse in our society today, and with all the help available to victims, it is no longer an excuse for criminal behaviour.  

I do not subscribe to 'an eye for an eye' justification - and neither does our legal system.  We should all be holding people to higher standards, and stop making excuses for illegal activity.

Answer 9

We can begin treating Battered Women Syndrome for what it really is: an explanation, not an excuse.

And no, men would never get away with a Battered Men Syndrome defense in court.

Answer 10

No it isnt fair I suppose this happens where the feminist vote helps a judge to get reelected

Answer 11

It is Fair , No. But welcome to the way our justice system works.

Answer 12

Although there are extremely cruel woman out there the man would probably be laughed at. They would expect him to leave the situation,which is what I expect woman to do!! I've heard the I can't reasons and I think they rare excuses!! Don't get me wrong I sympathize to a point but I've been there done that and you have to do what you have to do to get out of it or it's your fault.I moved every 6 months to stay hid from a habitual rapist that the cops,therapists,Dr.s and judges would not help to get him off the street!!Not enough evidence,and my boys were too young to testify!! They witnessed me being knocked out and waking up with total amnesia,but they were too young to testify!!Was it easy? NO!! I had 4 sons with total amnesia but it was easier than my sons witnessing the abuse! Scared ? For my life!!!!!!! But less afraid if he had to find us than if I was at home waiting!! After about three yrs he finally left us alone,I still have a fear BUT I have me and my sons,And the self respect that and feeling of"I WON" I have tried to talk to some woman I know in abusive relationships and all they give me is excuses on why they can't,I walk away!!Where there is a will and a reason there is a way and anything is better than the abuse!!!And there is no amount of anything worth the abuse!!!!

Answer 13

No. Women can't have it both ways. Men who snap, and kill their wife/family. I not excusing them, but do you think they were in some way battered/abused. Women who do the same thing, get away it, because they're women, plain and simple. Men are taught to suck it up and over come it, but abuse is abuse. 1 of the many things i disagree with, when it comes to the laws of the sexes. I actually blame this on men. Need to rethink this overcome everything mentality. Same mentality when going to see the doctor.