n the field. Some think that the defense based on Battered Woman Syndrome is an insanity defense, because of the experts who are brought in to explain the characteristics of the syndrome, psychologists or psychiatrists. Also because the word syndrome is often used to describe mental illnesses. First her husband, now the courts, is what one of the signs read at a march during the third trial of Idalia Mejia in 1978(Gillespie 165). In addition to the violent husband and the courts filled with prosecutors and confused jurors abuse a woman once she has tried to protect herself, but so do the police. Police officers receive little training in dealing with domestic violence cases. The techniques are usually to defuse the situation. Rarely do officers make an arrest. Police departments have what is called stitch rule this is a victim needs to have a certain amount of stitches before officers are required to make an arrest. People always ask the same question, well why did she call for help? When the woman finals builds up the courage to actually call the police for help, they arrive to do nothing for her except maybe make situation worst. The worst part of the authorities failing in helping a person is when these people (police officers, prosecutors) believe that they have no business in the next mans business. Some also believe that beating your wife is not important enough for the criminal courts; and those who file a complaint are just trying to manipulate their husband (Gillespie 140).Once the man is arrested for battering his wife, he is most likely to be released on his own recognizance, while he waits for trial date. Once this all happens he goes back home and tries to give some kind of remorse to his wife so that she can drop the charges. Some are released merely because they promised the judge that they wouldnt do it again (Gillespie 142). Also restraining orders might as well mean nothing. An officer usually will not ...
