The psychological effects of abuse and battering on wives and partners: Case study in the Philippines

Abstract

Introduction

In the country, the most prevalent form of violence against women is physical abuse/maltreatment or wife/partner battering based on both records of the Philippine national police, and the women in especially difficult circumstances.

Objectives

This study looked into the psychological effects of abuse and battering on wives-partners.

Aims

This paper will also give a description on how battered wives acquire a learned helplessness behavior due to uncontrollable events or situations.

Methods

The methods used were structured interview method and case method, and interview with a psychiatrist in the hospital where the three cases had consultations.

Results

Wife battering refers to violent acts such as psychological, sexual or physical assault by an assailant against his partner with the intent of controlling by inducing fear and pain. It is a common incident being violated under RA 9262. Three cases were studied. One was stabbed 12 times by her live in “matador” partner who works in a slaughter house. The second case was about a partner who was forced to do sexual favors for her husband that were animalistic and perverted. On the third case, while married, she noticed that the man was also sexually perverted. He also raped their daughter.

Conclusion

All three cases also manifested depression in various forms with varying symptoms. Case A was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (evaluation made by the psychiatrist). Case A manifested symptoms of depression, panic of being attacked again by assailant who is at large.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.