Spousal Abuse Syndrome

Spousal abuse syndrome is the state of mind that a victim is in after being abused for a period of time. This psychological symptom is very similar to the Stockholm syndrome where captives start to identify themselves with their captors. This syndrome leaves its victims withdrawn and full of guilt for making this happen. They will not leave their abusers who have a psychological hold over them.

Origin Of Syndrome

Spousal abuse syndrome can occur from both physical and psychological abuse by the spouse. Choking, kicking punching and spitting are just a few of the physical abuses connected to this syndrome. The psychological abuse can be the constant putting down of the spouse saying “You’re no good,” calling the spouse demeaning names and screaming at her.

Self Blame

The spouse who is being abused starts to believe she deserves these physical and verbal attacks and does not put blame on the spouse for continuing this abuse. She often makes excuses for the abuser, citing things, such as having a tough day at work as the reason for the behavior. Although in fear of the next attack, she still feels it is something she did wrong to upset her spouse. Most will go out of their way to please the abusive spouse so the abuse will not happen again.

Dependence of Abuser

This syndrome occurs when a person has endured abuse from a spouse which has left her psychologically dependent on the abusive spouse. She has come to believe that she cannot live without the spouse and despite the continued abuse, she will not leave. Even if attempts are made to leave, they are usually interrupted with false promises of this not happening again by the abuser.

Legal Recognition Of Syndrome

Spousal abuse syndrome has been frequently used in murder trials where one spouse has killed the other due to this abuse. When a spouse kills an abusive spouse to stop the abuse, many trial lawyers will cite the syndrome as a defense. This defense does have some merit when many of the histories of the abusers actions are reported in court.

Similar to Stockholm Syndrome

The abused spouse will almost always defend the abusive spouse’s actions. This is very similar to Stockholm syndrome which is derived from an incident in 1973 where a group of bank robbers held hostages for six days. The hostages started to show an emotional attachment to their captors and even came to their defense when the ordeal ended. This is the similar type of attachment the abused spouse feels for the spouse who is inflicting the abuse.