em selected for analysis is that of battered women defined as females who are emotionally and/or physically abused by men with whom they have formed intimate relationships. Causal factors involved in abuse include the violent background and upbringing of the males combined with their tendencies to be possessive, controlling and extremely dangerous. Substance abuse also often plays a contributory role.
It is recommended that, as a matter of policy, social service providers be able to recognize that particular set of circumstances giving rise to battering. Through this recognition, providers of social services will be in a position to prevent and/or take actions to remediate the situation. Regarding, immediate physical indicators of abuse, Campbell and Sheridan (1989) have stated that battered women often have bruises and laceration of the face, head and trunk of the body. Although there can also be bruises in areas hidden by clothing (e.g. breasts, abdomen, upper thighs and back), it is bruising around the head and arm are
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