Battered Women Syndrome Model

There are some women who stay in violent and abusive relationships; this is demonstrated by Learned Helplessness a theory that was proposed by Lenore Walker (1978) through the work of Seligman (1975) by applying it to women who stay in violent relationships. The learned helpless theory helps to explain why women stay in abusive and violent relationships. The theory demonstrates the occurrence of symptoms linked with mental health, i.e. low self esteem, depression and helplessness develop in women who have been victims of domestic abuse. Walker (1985) explains that in order for a woman to leave a violent relationship, she must overcome the learned helplessness coping skills. Walker (1984) further developed the Battered Women Syndrome model,
It poses a threat to women children and other men. In order to deal with the issue society and government has devised social and legal policies to try and tackle it reduced and reduce harm. In the UK they are some policies in place to tackle these issues. Together We Can End Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) was launched in 2009. It is a strategy proposed to provide a framework for crimes that have been defined being mainly committed by men against women, on the basis of power and control. Its approach in tackling violence and abuse focuses on three key areas, protection, provision and prevention. Protection; this is done by putting in place an effective criminal justice system. Investigations that are thorough, prosecution of perpetrators and support for the victims. Provision; supporting women and girls to move on with their lives by accessing the right help. Have effective services such as refuges, safe accommodation, advice and support services. Prevention; this focuses on changing attitudes towards violence against women and girls and raising awareness. Identification and intervention of abuse at an early stage. As well as promoting healthy relationships to children and young people in schools. Historically the government has concentrated on providing support services when the women have been victimised. VAWG proposed a number of changes to policy. These are, the right to
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