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Battered Women: A Historical Research Review and Some Common Myths

NCJ Number
165078
Journal
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma Issue: 1 Dated: (1997) Pages: 95-114
Author(s)
M D Pagelow
Date Published
1997
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This review of research findings on woman battering indicates how research has played a major role in changing social policies and in challenging common myths and stereotypes about violence against women.
Abstract
The earliest literature contained the ideas of a few psychotherapists who viewed woman battering as a rare phenomenon that involved masochistic women and sadistic men and that led to the myth of psychopathology as the mediating factor. Research following the birth of the battered women's movement destroyed these ideas and some subsequent myths and led to changes in medical practitioner attitudes toward battered women patients and law enforcement's reaction to battered victims and their abusers. More recent research has revealed important factors about court handling of abusers and victims and about violent relationships that result in homicide. In addition, research has discredited the myth that children living in violent households are not harmed. Although many women still face serious difficulties when they attempt to divorce their abusers and to obtain custody of their children, certain positive changes have occurred across the spectrum of medical, legal, and social services with which battered women must interface. The reported research highlights current needs, emphasizes the importance of sound social policies and legislation, and suggests future directions. 109 references

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