Beaten Woman Syndrome: Do You Know How You Can Get Help?

Beaten Woman Syndrome affects anyone who has experienced prolonged physical or mental abuse in the past. It is a term introduced by Lenore EA Walker in her book, Beaten Woman Syndrome.

Lenore Walker’s book covers all the physical symptoms and psychological consequences of relationship abuse. The book also includes a separate chapter on situations in which children are abused.

How to recognize the syndrome of a beaten woman

Beaten woman syndrome can be described by specific characteristics that everyone should be able to identify. Why?

People should seek professional help as soon as possible, as the situation experienced and the symptoms it causes have a significant impact on the victim’s quality of life.

Symptoms of the beaten woman syndrome are among them:

• physical – insomnia, weight loss, somatization of emotions in the form of eczema, migraines, cramps, etc.
• mental – depression, low self-esteem, guilt, hopelessness and fear.

These are just some of the symptoms that a person suffering from Beaten Woman Syndrome may experience. However, there are many other aspects worth considering on an individual level.

Let us consider some of these aspects and also consider the steps that need to be taken to alleviate the trauma.

Learned helplessness

Learned helplessness is a mental state that often occurs in people who have been abused by someone they have trusted for a long time. This is a very harmful attitude that keeps the victim from making decisions about themselves. This makes it impossible to defend themselves and get out of a situation in which the person is bullied or abused.

The victim believes that there is nothing he can do to remedy the difficult situation in which he finds himself.

While this may seem easy to overcome, it is actually a big limitation. Thus, learned helplessness is the main reason many people do not take action to end the problematic situation of bullying.

Meanwhile, the inability to deal with this problem can make such a person an easy victim of another offender.

Post-traumatic stress

When a person was exposed to repeated abuse for long periods, they were under constant stress. This long – term stress persists even after the difficult situation is over.

The fight-and-flight response that is so important to survival in the animal world becomes utterly maladaptive in people with beaten woman syndrome. Stress, fear, and anxiety can arise under circumstances where there is no cause for fear.

To identify post-traumatic stress disorder, it is important to analyze the behavior of the person who has been the victim of violence:

• Nightmares and flashbacks that lead to night sweats, fear and anxiety.
• Avoiding places, people, or thoughts that remind you of the abuse.
• Excessive vigilance, especially in the street, due to the belief that the perpetrator is constantly following the victim.
• Difficulty remembering specific moments of traumatic events.

Anyone who experiences violence often finds it difficult to overcome flashbacks. Post-traumatic stress is rooted in the belief that the aggressor will win by dragging the victim back into the old, degrading situation.

Beaten Woman Syndrome: Where to Get Help

While the victim of abuse may believe that no one can help her and that she will never get rid of the symptoms of the syndrome, this is not the case. Yes, it is true that in many cases the only punishment for the aggressor is not approaching the victim. It’s terrifying. And yes, there is often nothing we can do about this verdict.

However, it’s also true that you can take full responsibility for your own life, take your distance, and end all forms of bullying or overcome trauma. Let’s see what can be done in this situation:

Doctors, dentists, clergy or staff at your child’s school

All the people listed above are required to report violations of the rights of others that they observe and have received training on issues related to domestic violence.

Therefore, they should be able to help you deal with domestic violence by contacting the organizations that offer help. Remember that most of the information you give to your doctor or clergyman is confidential. In addition, these people must report cases of child abuse.

Legal assistance

Family law solicitors often have access to resources to help with domestic violence cases. They can also help you create a safe departure plan and help you obtain a protection order or a temporary restraining order.

If you cannot afford an attorney, contact the legal aid organization to see if you qualify for free assistance.

Hostels

There are many nonprofit organizations that help people deal with domestic violence.

First of all, in Poland, there is the “Blue Line” National Emergency Service for Victims of Domestic Violence , available at the helpline number 800 120-002.

Therapy

Getting help from a therapist is one of the best and healthiest ways to recover from your mental health and take a step forward.

It’s best to find a therapist nearby. If money is an issue, discuss your options with your local support centers. Make sure you are getting the help you and your children deserve to keep going, lead a healthy life with the confidence that the episode of bullying is a thing of the past.

Syndrome of beaten women: Hotlines

Most hotlines are NGOs that you can call when you or someone else wants to talk. It is a free service that can be of great help in times when a person is depressed or even having suicidal thoughts.

In a case of abuse, do not hesitate to call 997. The police can help with domestic violence cases by keeping you safe while investigating the case. It will also ensure contact with other institutions such as food banks, employment services and lawyers.

Nobody should tolerate domestic violence, and there are many ways to deal with it. You can take steps to enjoy life again.