battered woman syndrome

American  

[bat-erd woom-uhn sin-drohm] / ˈbæt ərd ˈwʊm ən ˌsɪn droʊm /

noun

1. the array of physical and psychological injuries exhibited by women battered women, or battered wivesbattered womanbattered wife who have been beaten repeatedly or otherwise abused by their partners or spouses.

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Etymology

Origin of battered woman syndrome

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

April’s defense attorney presented the idea of “Battered Woman Syndrome,” but it was a relatively untested defense.

From Slate

The judge refused to allow expert testimony on battered woman syndrome, a psychological condition that can develop among victims of domestic violence.

From Seattle Times

Her appeal was among the first by someone with battered woman syndrome, and her case has been studied by academics.

From Seattle Times

At trial, psychological experts hired by Lalchan’s attorneys testified that their client’s behavior was consistent with that of other survivors of intimate-partner violence, formerly known as battered woman syndrome, her attorneys said.

From Washington Post

Among Chin’s many court decisions was a 1996 ruling that allowed battered woman syndrome to be used as part of a murder suspect’s self-defense claim.

From Los Angeles Times