Citation

Swanson RW. Can. Med. Assoc. J. 1984; 130(6): 709-712.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Canadian Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

6697278

PMCID

PMC1875950

Abstract

Battered wife syndrome is a symptom complex of physical and psychologic abuse of a woman by her husband. Although it may occur in up to 10% of Canadian women, it largely goes unrecognized. Such women often present with vague somatic complaints, such as headache, insomnia and abdominal pain. Thus, the diagnosis can usually only be made by asking nonthreatening open-ended questions. Most women remain with their husbands because they are afraid of them. Hence, successful treatment usually depends on the woman's leaving her husband and obtaining help in the development of a new self-concept.

Language: en