Scenario: You are a victim's advocate specializing in domestic violence. The local police department has been dominated by a "good old boys" network of officers. Recently, there has been a rise in domestic violence cases in the police department's jurisdiction. A female captain was also recently promoted to Chief of Police. She now has the daunting task of educating the officers under her command about the psychopathology of the victim and offender in a domestic violence relationship. The Chief has asked you to address two myths that you feel are important pertaining to the relationship between the victim and offender in a domestic violence environment. The Chief would like you to set the record straight on these myths and why they are not true.

Focus your discussion on the following:

Give an Explanation of the following myths concerning battered woman syndrome

• Religious beliefs will prevent battering.

• Battered women deserve to get beaten. The myth that battered women provoke their beatings by pushing their men beyond the breaking point is a popular one.

• Children need their father even if he is violentor, "I'm only staying for the sake of the children."