Home      Login

Abstract: 

When a battered woman kills her abusive partner, courts will allow a defense of “battering and its effects” (BE) or “domestic violence and its effects” (DVE). This defense theory is important, especially in cases where self-defense does not apply. Duress also plays a role in other crimes victims may commit as a result of batterers’ control of their behavior. Victims may do this to avoid future punishment from the batterer, to stave off abuse of a child, pet, or other loved one, or to “prove” their love for the batterer. Some of the crimes include theft, fraud, drug abuse, and prostitution. The author describe the role of duress in victims’ commission of these crimes. With editorial comments by Nancy K.D. Lemon, J.D.

Keywords: 

Affiliations:  1: Humboldt State University (Professor Emeritus).