Exactly how batterers use women's fear to gain control is documented in this volume. The authors provide a comprehensive examination of current social psychological research and theory about why women stay in abusive relationships and why they leave, and explain why women should not be blamed for their victimization. Written for mental health and social services practitioners, the volume examines a range of topics, including learned helplessness and hopelessness, post-traumatic stress and the 'battered woman syndrome'. Case studies depict the heroic efforts of survivors to liberate themselves from the cultural mores, the sexism and the specific learning patterns that entrap them. Barnett and LaViolette argue that there is no 'type' of woman who is likely to remain in an abusive relationship: behaviours learned through socialization and victimization are key factors that put any woman at risk.