Intimate partner violence (battered woman syndrome): How to get help Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is intimate partner violence Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST — By Zawn Villines — Updated on August 25, 2022Intimate partner violence — previously known as battered woman syndrome, or battered person syndrome — is a psychological condition that can develop when a person experiences abuse, usually at the hands of an intimate partner. People who find themselves in an abusive relationship often do not feel safe or happy. However, they may feel unable to leave for many reasons. These include fear and a belief that they are the cause of the abuse. Abuse can affect people of any gender, sex, age, social class, or education. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refer to the type of abuse that occurs within a romantic relationship as intimate partner violence (IPV). The CDC notes that an intimate partner relationship can take many forms. It includes — but is not limited to — current or former partners, spouses, people who are dating, sexual partners, and people who do not have a sexual relationship. Relationships may be heterosexual or same-sex. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men in the United States experience violence from an intimate partner. Around 15% of all violent crimes involve an intimate partner. Many agencies and organizations exist to help people who experience IPV. Read on to find out more about abuse in relationships and how to get help. A note about sex and gender Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms, “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. What is battered woman syndrome Share on PinterestJoko Prasetyo/EyeEm/Getty ImagesPsychotherapist Lenore Walker developed the concept of battered woman syndrome in the late 1970s. She wanted to describe the unique pattern of behavior and emotions that can develop when a person experiences abuse and as they try to find ways to survive the situation. Walker noted that the patterns of behavior that result from abuse often resemble those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She described battered woman syndrome as a subtype of PTSD. What types of abuse can it involve IPV can take many forms, including emotional, physical, and financial abuse. The CDC currently list the following as types of IPV:Sexual abuse: This includes rape, unwanted sexual contact, and verbal sexual harassment.Stalking: This involves a person using threatening tactics to cause a person to feel fear and concern for their safety.Physical abuse: This includes slapping, pushing, burning, and the use of a knife, gun, or other weapon to cause bodily harm.Psychological aggression: Examples include name-calling, humiliation, or coercive control, which means behaving in a way that aims to control a person. Coercive control is a legal offense in some countries, but this is not the case in the U.S. Symptoms According to the NCADV, a person experiencing abuse may:feel isolated, anxious, depressed, or helplessbe embarrassed or fear judgment and stigmatizationlove the person who is abusing them and believe that they will changebe emotionally withdrawndeny that anything is wrong or excuse the other personbe unaware of the type of help that is availablehave perceived moral or religious reasons for staying in the relationship The person may also behave in ways that can be difficult for people outside the relationship to understand. These behaviors include:refusing to leave the relationshipbelieving that the other person is powerful or knows everythingwhen things are calm, idealizing the person who carried out the abusebelieving that they deserve the abuse The impact of an abusive relationship can continue long after leaving it. For some time, the person may:experience sleep problems, including nightmares and insomniahave sudden intrusive feelings about the abuseavoid talking about the abuseavoid situations that remind them of the abuseexperience feelings of anger, sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessnesshave intense feelings of fearhave panic attacks or flashbacks to the abuse Physical abuse can also lead to injuries such as organ damage, broken bones, and lost teeth. Sometimes, these injuries can be lasting and possibly life threatening. The impact of abuse on a person’s well-being can be severe. For this reason, it is important to understand that help is available and to seek help if possible. Causes The CDC notes that a number of factors and characteristics may be present in a person who abuses in a relationship. These include, but are not limited to:having low self-esteem and possibly social isolationhaving a lack of nonviolent problem-solving skills and a habit of using aggression to resolve difficultieswitnessing abuse between parents as a childhaving a desire for power and controlhaving specific views about gender roleshaving a mental health condition, such as a personality disorderhaving a tendency to use alcohol or drugs People often find it hard to leave a relationship with someone whose behavior is abusive. This can happen for various reasons, such as:a lack of financial resources, if the person is financially dependent on their partnera sense of isolation and fear that nobody will understanda sense of guilt that this may not be the right thing to dofear of further violence or of pressure to return to the same situationconcerns about legal consequences or financial or material loss, especially if there are children involveda belief that the abuse is one’s own fault, leading to a sense of helplessness or powerlessness and an ongoing belief that, somehow, things can get better Stages Abuse can happen on a single occasion, or it can be a long-term problem. It can happen most of the time, or only from time to time. It can also occur in cycles. The list below details some potential stages of an abuse cycle:Tension building: Tension slowly builds and causes low-level conflict. The person carrying out the abuse may feel neglected or angry. They may think that these feelings justify their aggression toward the other person.Battering phase: Over time, the tension grows into a conflict, culminating in abuse, which may be physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual. Over time, these episodes may last longer and become more severe.Honeymoon phase: After carrying out the abuse, the person may feel remorse. They may attempt to win back their partner’s trust and affection. The person who experiences the abuse may idealize their partner during this period, seeing only their good side and making excuses for what they did. According to the NCADV, people who carry out abuse can often be “charming” and “pleasant” outside the periods of abuse. This can make it hard for a person to leave an abusive relationship. Complications The experience of abuse can lead to:reduced self-esteemlong-term symptoms of PTSDlong-term disability or health problems related to physical abusefeelings of guilt and shame Even if the person leaves the relationship, they may experience lasting complications. In fact, the impact of abuse can last for years. On average, a person who leaves an abusive relationship will do so seven times befanore they make the final break, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Getting help Leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult to do alone. However, support groups and advocates are available to help those concerned about their situation and those who have decided to leave an abusive relationship. It can take time to make this decision. Some ways to plan ahead include:asking for support from a trusted friend or family membersaving money, if possiblepreparing to explain the experience in a calm way when approaching an advocate, lawyer, or another form of supportbeing ready to give concrete examples of events and actions the person has taken to keep themselves and their family safeseeking contact details of organizations that can help What about the perpetrator In time, scientists might find an effective way to help a person who carries out abuse to change their behavior. However, most research so far has focused on people referred by the criminal justice system, which means that they already have a conviction for a crime against a partner. Some studies have shown an “alarmingly high” rate of repeat offenses. Overall, there is not enough evidence to support any specific intervention to help people who carry out this type of abuse. The CDC recommends a range of community programs in an attempt to prevent it. One suggestion is that carefully designed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for couples might help by enhancing communication and problem-solving skills. However, experts do not currently recommend this, as undergoing experimental therapy while in an abusive relationship could increase the risk for the partner who is experiencing the abuse. Organizations that can help Help is available. There are organizations that specialize in supporting those experiencing or trying to leave an abusive relationship. They can offer advice, help a person get medical assistance, and assist with finding accommodation a person can stay at until they feel safe and their situation becomes more stable. These organizations can also put a person in touch with an advocate, who will stand by them as they go through the process of recovery. Advocates play an important role in coordinating care for survivors and their families. Here are some sources of help:The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health have a list of contacts to get help in each state.The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers online and phone help, as well as access to local resources. Call 1-800-799-7233 for immediate assistance. They also have a chatline: http://www.thehotline.org/what-is-live-chat/.The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) website offers information, resources, and advice.The National Dating Abuse Hotline number is (866) 331-9474. Their chatline is http://www.loveisrespect.org/. When a person is in immediate danger, calling the emergency services may help protect them from serious harm. Treatment After leaving an abusive relationship, it can take a long time to deal with the emotional and physical impact of the abuse, and the person may need a lot of support. Options that can help with recovery include:learning about the impact of abuse, including how it affects self-esteempsychotherapy, to deal with the emotional consequencesmedical care, to treat any physical effects or injuriesmedication, to manage depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other related conditionssupport groupsCBT Group CBT can give people the chance to share what they have been through with others who have had a similar experience, and to join with others in finding new ways to cope. It is essential to create an atmosphere where members can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Legal issues Health problems are not the only consequence of abuse. There can also be legal implications. In 2005, the Federal Violence Against Women Act declared that abuse is a violation of a woman’s human rights. If there are children involved, the court may need to decide on custody arrangements. This can be difficult for the parent who has experienced the abuse, as the court may consider it best for any children to have equal access to both parents. Takeaway IPV, or battered woman syndrome, can lead to mental and physical health problems, feelings of fear, low self-esteem, and guilt, as well as symptoms of PTSD. These can persist long after leaving an abusive relationship. The CDC suggests that from 2003 to 2014, more than 50% of all homicides of adult women in the U.S. involved IPV. Over 11% of these women experienced violence in the month before they died. These statistics underline the importance of understanding that, for people in an abusive relationship, help is at hand. To get information about help in a specific state, click here. Last medically reviewed on August 25, 2022Psychology / Psychiatry 18 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.50 obstacles to leaving: 1–10. (n.d.).https://www.thehotline.org/resources/get-help-50-obstacles-to-leaving/Battered woman syndrome. (2018).http://family.findlaw.com/domestic-violence/battered-women-s-syndrome.htmlCouture, A., et al. (2014). Battered woman syndrome [Abstract].http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781118517383.wbeccj257/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage.Dynamics of abuse. (n.d.).https://ncadv.org/dynamics-of-abuseEckhardt, C. I., et al. (2014). Interventions for perpetrators of intimate partner violence. http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/special-reports/interventions-perpetrators-intimate-partner-violenceEckhart, C. I., et al. (2013). The effectiveness of intervention programs for perpetrators and victims of intimate partner violence. https://www.domesticviolenceintervention.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Eckhardt.etal2013.Manuscript.pdfIntimate partner violence. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/definitions.htmlPersonalized safety plan. (n.d.).https://ncadv.org/personalized-safety-planPetrosky, E., et al. (2017). Racial and ethnic differences in homicides of adult women and the role of intimate partner violence - United States, 2003–2014. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6628a1.htm?s_cid=mm6628a1_wResources by state on violence against women. (2021).https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/get-help/state-resourcesResources for victims and survivors of domestic violence national crisis organizations and assistance. (n.d.).https://ncadv.org/learn-more/resourcesSax, K. (2012). Intimate partner violence: A group cognitive-behavioral therapy model.https://www.apadivisions.org/division-49/publications/newsletter/group-psychologist/2012/11/partner-violence.aspxStatistics. (n.d.).https://ncadv.org/statisticsThe National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.).https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/Victim protection, support and assistance. (n.d.).http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/svaw/domestic/explore/6support.htmWalker, L. E. (2009). Battered woman syndrome.http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/trauma-and-violence/battered-woman-syndromeWalker, L. E. (2016). Battered woman syndrome: Key elements of a diagnosis and treatment plan.https://pro.psychcentral.com/battered-woman-syndrome-key-elements-of-a-diagnosis-and-treatment-plan/Walker, L. E. (2009). Battered woman syndrome page 3 of 4. http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/trauma-and-violence/battered-woman-syndrome/page/0/2FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST — By Zawn Villines — Updated on August 25, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageHyperarousal: Symptoms and treatmentMedically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH Hyperarousal is common in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The person can become particularly sensitive to things that are happening…READ MOREWhat are the early signs of a depression relapse?Medically reviewed by Timothy J. 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