Reactions to victimization and coping strategies of battered women: The ties that bind

This paper constitutes a review of articles which have as their scope the reactions of battered women to the victimization they experience and the coping strategies they employ ta handle the abusive relationship. The reactions and coping strategies are explored in light of their paradoxical effects which actually serve to make it more difficult for the battered woman to leave the abusive relationship. Articles are discussed in terms of their contribution to the theories of victimization of battered women and theories regarding their coping styles. Research in the future needs to concentrate on operationalizmg various theories in the area for empirical testing and battered women need to be more directly compared with other victim groups.