Battered child and battered wife syndromes.

Although family violence is not a new problem in the United States, the criminal prosecution of family members who physically or sexually abuse relatives is a relatively recent development. Medical and social science research during the 1960’s and 1970’s documented the unique kinds of injuries, both physical and psychological, that are suffered when family members are the abusers. The researchers who identified and brought to public attention battered child syndrome and battered wife syndrome helped increase public awareness of family violence and helped change criminal justice policy concerning prosecution of such cases. In addition, recognition of the psychological trauma associated with such victimization, led to the development of controversial criminal defenses that attempt to utilize battered child syndrome and battered wife syndrome as justifications for victims killing their abusers.