Back in the early 1900s, there was no such thing as a ‘battered woman’. There wasn’t much of a ‘battered’ anything, really. For many women, they suffered in silence - or, maybe their suffering was well-known throughout their community, but they were forced to endure it and the quiet whispers of townspeople whenever she appeared in the grocery store with a black eye.
During the 1920s, ‘wife beating’ became illegal. And, sporadically, the term ‘battered woman’ was thrown around, referencing women who were beaten by their husbands. Of course, it wasn’t until 1979 that Battered Woman Syndrome became a thing. Seriously - the idea that a person (typically women) can be abused so severely that they develop a specific medical condition didn’t occur to scholars or medical professionals until a little over 40 years ago.
So, when we talk about violence against women, partners and children, we aren’t talking about decades of crusades against violence. Instead, we’re talking about a very new, recent movement that’s been decades in the making.
But, as time has gone on, this movement has experienced a variety of adjustments. Even within the 40-some years since the conception of the National Coalition on Domestic Violence, the movement has experienced a variety of shifts and the establishment of multiple identity-specific organizations.
The first use of the term ‘domestic violence’ occurred in the 1970s by a British parliamentarian when speaking about British laws regarding violence against women and children. Over a few years’ time, more organizations started to open and use ‘domestic violence’ in regards to violence towards women and children.
Then, as organizations shifted towards a more gender-inclusive approach, the term ‘intimate partner violence’ rose through the ranks.
So, with all these terms floating around, which one’s the best to use? Let’s go through each term and talk about it’s pros, cons and when the best time to use it is.
Battered Woman
Personally, I detest the phrase ‘battered woman.’ First, it implies that only women can be battered. We know that men and children can be abused, too (albeit, not nearly as often as women). Second, the word ‘battered’ indicates physical abuse. By using ‘battered woman,’ it implies that only women who are physically abused can meet this threshold. It denies anyone who is experiencing mental, emotional, financial and/or sexual abuse.
However, because of Lenore Walker’s book Battered Woman (from the 1970s I just mentioned), there are some instances where using ‘battered woman’ make sense:
Legal terms: Some legal programs require the usage of ‘battered woman’ in certain case types. While this is less frequent now than in years past, there are plenty of cases that have to reference ‘battered women,’ especially if they’re establishing a woman suffers from BWS.
Understanding BWS vs. PTSD: All victims of crime can potentially experience PTSD. However, women who are subjected to severe abuse over a prolonged period of time can develop Battered Woman Syndrome, which tends to create more issues with intimacy and trust than PTSD does. While some of the symptoms between both are shared, BWS is different from PTSD. Women who suffer from BWS can also suffer from PTSD, though.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is mainly understood to be violence that occurs in a family or household unit. Whether that’s between parents and children, elders and children or even spouses or partners that live in the same home, domestic violence is one of the most common phrases used to describe violence against women and children. However, there are a few key groups of people that are left out of the DV moniker.
Dating couples: Couples that are dating but not married or living together don’t fall under the domestic violence moniker.
Couples that don’t identify as in a relationship: Whether they’re just hooking up casually or are in a same-sex relationship, couples who don’t fit the traditional nuclear family model don’t qualify under the domestic violence umbrella.
Teens: Teens that are dating can’t qualify under domestic violence, because DV requires a household unit. Since teenagers aren’t consenting adults, any violence they experience while dating doesn’t qualify as DV.
DV can be used when talking about children abused by their parents or even when children abuse their grandparents. It can be between siblings or spouses, or anyone who lives in the same structure.
Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate Partner Violence is a newer term, but it is more gender-neutral and includes more relationship types. It does leave out non-intimate partners, such as exes and family members. However, some people take issue with using the term ‘intimate partner’ because it implies that individuals have to be intimate sexually in order to qualify for this label, despite the idea of intimacy just being someone you have more than a friendship with - not every romantic relationship involves a sexual component.
When to Use Which Term
There are certain situations when it’s appropriate to use each term.
Battered woman: Best reserved for legal cases, women who’ve been diagnosed with BWS or women who have experienced prolonged exposure to severe abuse.
Domestic violence: Use when talking about spouses and individuals who reside(d) in the same structure and share some type of familial or legal bond.
Intimate partner violence: Best reserved for individuals who are/were involved in a relationship that’s more elevated than friendship, regardless of gender identity or age.
Pay Attention to Context
The most important thing you can do to use the appropriate terminology is to pay attention to the context of the situation. If a police report charges aggravated assault between two LGBTQ+ individuals that were once dating, you’ll want to classify it as IPV. However, if it charges A&B of a Family Member and it’s between a grandmother and grandchild who live in the same home, then that’s domestic violence.
It’s also important to pay attention to the statutes as they read in your particular state. Most states don’t have specific statues for Intimate Partner Violence, instead charging it as Simple Assault. Some courts even have the parameter that if a couple was together within the past year, any violent act would still count as A&B on a Family Member. Educating yourself on the laws and statutes within your jurisdiction can assist you in understanding what situations fit which puzzle piece.