Battered Person Syndrome

Battered person syndrome is a psychological condition that results from persistent physical abuse that is used (infrequently) in criminal trials as a justification defense for homicide. Battered person syndrome is also referred to as “Battered Woman Syndrome” when the perpetrator is a woman. The term “Battered Woman Syndrome” was coined by Lenore Walker to describe distinct psychological and behavioral symptoms that result when a woman is exposed to prolonged exposure to violence at the hands of an intimate partner.