Chapter 7 “Syndrome Evidence” Talbot Kellogg Community College Criminal Psychology Chapter 7 “Syndrome Evidence” Talbot Kellogg Community College

What is a Syndrome? Definition: Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS) Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS)

The Battered Woman Syndrome Definition:

Components of BWS Learned Helplessness Lowered self-esteem Impaired functioning Loss of the assumption of invulnerability, optimistic outcome, and safety Fear and Terror Anger/ Rage Diminished Alternatives The cycle of abuse Hypervigilance Increased tolerance for cognitive consistency.

BWS or PTSD? Is it the same thing? Is it different? What does the text imply?

BWS in the courts Battered woman who kill. More than 10% of the homicides in the U.S. are committed by women. A majority of these are reportedly women who kill an abusive partner (Browne and Williams, 1989).

Why do some kill and other not? _

Possible defenses BWS is not a defense but part a defense. 2 options Self-defense – Insanity defense –

The Problems with BWS use as a part of a defense. Many do not kill in the moment. BWS is not a mental illness. BWS may imply pathology for the battered woman. Expert witnesses will often disagree causing the defense expert to appear more an advocate than objective observer. Jurors’ reactions are mixed.

Rape Trauma Syndrome Common responses reported by women who had been recently raped. Acute Crisis Phase – SNS activation

Rape Trauma Syndrome Long-Term Reaction Phase Begins 1 – 3 months following the rape. _