Brainwashing and Battering Fatigue. Psychological Abuse in Domestic Violence

This article emphasizes the psychological effects of domestic abuse, describing the battered woman syndrome & the possible increased risk for suicide this syndrome may represent. This syndrome is then compared to battering fatigue that is exhibited by soldiers in war. An explanation for why battered women return to their abusive partners is also given, suggesting that they may not be aware or afraid of the alternatives. Implications for intervention & support of battered women are included. (39 refs) (SC)