Battered Women Syndrome

Battered Women Syndrome

Background

Battered Women Syndrome

The defense known as the Battered Women Syndrome is the concept in which a woman is observed to have some strange signs and symptoms of expressions like fear, and the desire to escape a scenario or situation. The patterns of fear and signs also include the failure of the woman to escape despite the desire top escape. These symptoms are observed to be appeared in the woman who are being abused and tortured mentally as well as physically for a longer period of time. Thos torture can be done by either the husband or by any person, mostly male, who has influence over those women (Biggers, 2003 a). This syndrome or defense is also used in the court of law in a way that any women who has been charged or blamed for and not only this but also have been nominated in the case of murder or assault can be said to suffer from the Battered Women Syndrome. The ratio of the use of this is more amongst the women, and, so it is given the name of Battered Women Syndrome. Another name given to this defense is the Battered Wife Syndrome (Biggers, 2003 b).

Up to the date lawyers does not have any proofs regarding this syndrome and so they are unable to use any evidence to support this syndrome. Apart from this, there is also no medical categorization which can support the presence and the diagnosis of this syndrome, but, still it is used in the courts of law as a defense on a regular basis (Biggers, 2003 b). Though it is named on women, but the situation is not specifically for women. This defense can also be and has been practiced by men as well in the courts to defend themselves in the courts of law during the hearing of the cases. The BWS is the orientation and reflection of the behavior that is caused by the physical or mental continuous torture. This may results in the reflection of depression or stress condition. This depression and stress lead to the desire of escape from torture and lack of trust on the human beings (Biggers, 2003 a).

Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology can be defined as the field which is associated with the issues that relates the psychology with the legal implications and law. In recent years, this field has gained the interest of different related branches along with its extensive display in the television programs, movies and books (Biggers, 2003 a). With this increase in interest and in the desire of the forensic psychology in the laws and legal issues, the graduation programs have also started to offer courses in the forensic psychology. Apart from this, the universities have also started to offer separate specialization in this same field. Forensic psychology is the bridge between the law and psychology. There are several functions that are performed by the field of forensic psychology. These entail in them recommendations in the sentencing of the law, ...