The Battered Woman Syndrome is a collection of psychological symptoms that commonly occur in women who have been repeatedly physically, sexually,and seriously psychologicaly abused.

It develops in an intimate relationship that usually begins with consideration, affection, and promise of beautiful tomorrows but which later may end tragically in pain or death for the victim, the batterer, or both.

The violence occurs in cycles, the cycles tend to escalate in frequency and intensity over time.The cycles of violence begin with tension building and lead to an explosive outburst that is followed by tranquility, remorse, pleas of forgiveness, and a short-lived consideration that initially lured the victim into the relationship.

The constant cycle of abuse for which there is no rational explanation takes its toll on stamina, perspective, and mental abilities of the victim.Fatigue, frantic activity to try to forestall a new cycle of violence, surrender to the will and dictates of the batter, self-blame, guilt, fear, shame, paranoia, withdrawl, and denial ensue. Depression mounts.Suicidal or homicidal ideation may appear in response to threats and assaults escalated th include intolerable acts on family members.Some women fight back with outbursts of often futile aggression.

This is tolerated through self-blalme, guilt, shame, social isolation, withdrawal, minimization, denial, fear, wishful thinking, and learned helplessness.

Learned helplessness is a condition that affects perspective and rigidifies thinking.

Sometimes women commit criminal acts under the duress and coercion of the batterer, fearing further harm to themselves or family.They may also face escalating pain, suffering, and intensified attacks by the batterer, which may result in attempted murder or murder of the victim or the batterer.