The initial approach to understanding the domestic violence problem was based on psychological theories and focused on looking at the relationship. Under this approach, for example, Lenore Walker described a concept of 'learned helplessness,' which attempted to explain a battered woman's apparent numbness in responding to the abuse - to explain why she did not leave, call the police, etc. Some battered women were critical of this theory because it did not represent their experience, and denied their survival skills and attempts to get help. These psychological approaches also tend to label the battered woman as mentally ill or somewhat deficient, rather than to treat her as a victim of crime. While these early formulations continue to be of use, other models have evolved.

A more recent analysis of battering focuses on the batterer's behavior. Some of these behaviors are crimes; others are part of a pattern of coercive control. Battering is seen as a learned, chosen and planned behavior (rather than the product of tension, alcohol, anger or inadequate social skills) and the batterer's behavior (rather than the victim's behavior) is the focus of any criminal prosecution. When battering is seen in this light, it is easier to place the responsibility for changing the criminal behavior where it belongs - on the batterer.

Back | Next