me. Those who possess the knowledge surrounding the syndrome need to clarify society's misguided conceptions, or BWS will never get the support it really deserves. If people learn the facts and support the syndrome, then the American government is more likely to take legislative action.The second problem concerning the acceptance of BWS by the criminal law is the present self-defense justification. This justification is deeply rooted in English Common Law and causes great debate among legislative officials. Self-defense, although adequate for most, has failed to represent battered women in America. Completely changing this defense is out of the question, but what about modifying the defense so that it would also look at body size, strength, and general physical ability? A man who weighs 200 lbs. has a clear advantage over his 130 lbs. wife. These physical characteristics must be considered when explaining self-defense, because they would help compare the two opposing forces. The third problem that has halted the success of BWS is that people are unwilling to stop domestic violence in their community. If residents within a community are aware of domestic violence problems then they need to take immediate action and stop the violence. The police, and other social service agencies, can only do so much to diffuse the problem. Domestic violence will only decline when American citizens get involved with the domestic abuse problem....
