Repetitive physical and psychological abuse can prompt people to commit violence against their tormentors. In this case, the defendant may claim abuse defense. An example of this is the Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS), a mental condition associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that is currently admissible in most states, including Virginia. One of the best known landmark cases which have employed BWS defense was that of Francine Hughes, who after 14 years of being battered mercilessly, burned her drunk husband to death while asleep on March 9, 1977. The jury’s verdict: not guilty by reason of temporary insanity. Battered Woman Syndrome is a medically recognized behavioral condition wherein women suffering from physical and emotional abuse stays in the relationship despite suffering from repeated violence by a spouse or boyfriend.
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