Ever wonder why people in abusive relationships choose to stay with their abuser even when they know they’re in a bad situation? From the outside looking in, it’s easy to think that they can just walk away. However, there’s a lot of psychological trauma associated with prolonged and consistent abuse that affects the abused person’s behaviour and reasoning. This is what psychology experts describe as battered person syndrome. It’s most common in a domestic environment such as a relationship or family member. Abuse, whether physical, mental, verbal, emotional, or financial, can take a significant toll on our mental wellbeing.
Definition
Battered person syndrome is considered a subcategory of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s defined as a psychological condition that develops as a result of an abusive experience. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, such abuse can affect any gender, age, social class, and education. However, there has to be some kind of relationship between the abuser and the abused person.
Psychotherapist Lenore Walker developed the concept in the late 1970s to describe the unique pattern of behaviour and emotions that can develop when a person experiences domestic abuse. Over the years, the concept has been modified to accommodate new findings. For instance, it was previously referred to as battered woman syndrome since it was originally thought to affect mainly women. However, today, the term has changed to battered person syndrome to accommodate people from all genders.
Causes
Domestic abuse has been linked to this disorder due to the traumatic effects it can have on the abused person’s mental health. Every year, millions of women and men are abused by their partner or someone close to them. Whether they realize it or not, this abuse can lead to developing battered person syndrome. Signs That Someone Is In An Abusive Relationship
People become attached to their abuser for a variety of reasons including:
- financial dependence on the abuser
- for their children’s sake
- being afraid to leave
- disbelief or denial that the partner is actually abusive
- severe depression or low self-esteem
- believing that the abuser can change the behaviour
Symptoms
Symptoms of battered person syndrome are closely related to symptoms of PTSD as well as relationship issues. They include:
Intrusive memories: Women with BWS often re-experience past traumatic events in their minds, feeling as if they are happening on repeat. Intrusive thoughts can also come in the form of nightmares, flashbacks, and daydreams.
Cognitive changes: Someone who’s been abused by their partner may also not be able to remember all of the details of her abuse and have depression. Researchers have studied the long-term effects of brain injury on people who have been repeatedly abused in their relationships. Some of the effects include memory loss, learning, and cognition challenges. 7 Common Types Of Depression
Anxiety: people who have gone through prolonged periods of abuse have high levels of anxiety. This leads to a fight-or-flight response even when it’s not necessary. Constant anxiety makes it difficult to sleep and can trigger heavy emotions. 5 Ways To Deal With Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Body image problems: Many victims of domestic abuse develop body image issues. Due to the psychological effects of abuse, the victim may end up having low self-esteem that may affect their self-image. Additionally, abused people normally don’t eat well or take care of their physical appearance which can affect their self-confidence. Common Types Of Eating Disorders And Why It Matters
Disruptions in other relationships: A key aspect of BWS is the attacker tries to cut off or control all relationships their partner has. This is to limit access to help or advice from other people. In one study of women who had experienced intimate partner violence, 62% said they were either forbidden or rarely had contact with friends or family.
Problems with sex. The person who’s been a target of intimate partner violence may have long-term problems with intimacy, even if they get out of the abusive relationship. 7 Things That Will Kill Your Sex Drive
Dissociation: Dissociation is another psychological disorder that’s associated with extreme trauma. Battered people often develop this as a defence mechanism of being able to psychologically detach from their bodies during a traumatic experience.
Treatment
The first step in treating battered person syndrome is to get the person to a safe place away from their abuser. People living in an abusive environment may feel helpless. This can make them wrongly believe they deserve the abuse and that they can’t get away from it. In many cases, this is why people don’t report their abuse to the police or loved ones. If you or someone you care about is living with battered person syndrome, you can form a safety plan and a getaway plan without the abuser. It’s also good to have a doctor examine any injuries that may have been sustained in the abuse.
A therapist with experience in PTSD or domestic abuse should be consulted. The therapist’s validation of the victim’s experience can help with the healing process. In some cases, the therapist may recommend interpersonal therapy, where they help the person establish stronger relationships with their support system. The therapist may also help them to understand that none of this was their fault. Individual or group therapy rather than couples therapy is recommended, at least initially.
Anxiety and depression can result from battered person syndrome. Treatment plans for these conditions may include anti-anxiety medications, antidepressant medications, and therapy to help the person regain control of their life.
Check out How Is PTSD Different In Women?
5 Signs You Are Experiencing Financial Abuse In Your Relationship
8 Places That Domestic Abuse Victims Can Seek Help
6 Ways To Get Out Of A Toxic Relationship
