The Illinois Supreme Court has not yet addressed this issue, although two intermediate appellate court decisions have considered it. Although the decisions appear inconsistent on the surface, closer examination shows that they are not irreconcilable. In addition, neither case presents a precedent that would preclude the admissibility of expert testimony on the battered woman syndrome. Such testimony is central to the claim of self-defense. The expert can not only dispel several common myths concerning battered women, but can also explain why an abused woman would reasonably conclude that she was in imminent danger of physical harm. Women will continue to suffer the effects of abuse and will continue to react in self-defense until society can find a way to effectively stop battering males. Juries must be informed about the severity of the problem through the use of evidence regarding the battered woman syndrome. 76 footnotes. (Author summary modified)