One of the most criticized components of the battered woman syndrome (BWS) is _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Learned helplessness is the most criticized component of BWS because it suggests that victims have no power to change their situation, leading to a lack of agency and the perpetuation of victimization. Some critics argue that this component does not acknowledge the agency and strength of survivors and may perpetuate the belief that they are powerless to change their circumstances. The other components of BWS (cycle of abuse, acute battering, and hypervigilance) are generally accepted as common experiences of victims of domestic violence.

One of the Most Criticized Components of the Battered Woman