Defending Battered Women on Trial: The Battered Woman Syndrome and its Limitations
Elizabeth Sheehy, Julie Stubbs and Julia Tolmie, "Defending Battered Women on Trial: The Battered Woman Syndrome and Its Limitations” 16:6 Criminal Law Review, 1992
26 Pages Posted: 4 Jul 2013
Date Written: 1992
Abstract
The battered woman syndrome has now been raised and accepted in Australian courts on three occasions. This article examines the context in which the battered women syndrome has developed, with particular reference to the perceived difficulties in existing defenses for women who kill a violent man. The use of battered women syndrome evidence in other jurisdictions is examined and the likely problems inherent in its use discussed. Potential strategies for a progressive use of the battered women syndrome, which challenge women-blaming stereotypes, are also considered.
Keywords: battered women syndrome, Australian courts, women, women who kill a violent man, violent man, women-blaming stereotypes
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