The Cycle of Abuse & Battered Woman Syndrome with Dr. Lenore Walker
Perfect Prey: A Coercive Control PodcastShow Notes
Welcome back to Perfect Prey. In this episode, I’m honored to speak with Dr. Lenore E. Walker, a pioneering psychologist known for her work on Battered Woman Syndrome and the cycle of abuse.
With more than 50 years of experience in this field, Dr. Walker shares her journey into domestic abuse research and discusses why survivors and protective mothers continue to face blame instead of support.
We explore the cycle of abuse, coercive control, the challenges of protecting children exposed to domestic violence, and why leaving an abusive relationship can be so difficult. Dr. Walker also explains how abusive behavior can be reinforced when it gets a person what they want, while moments of affection can keep survivors hoping things will change.
Together, we discuss the importance of recognizing patterns of abuse, supporting survivors without judgment, and building communities where people feel safe asking for help.
WHAT WE COVER- Dr. Walker’s journey into domestic abuse research - Battered Woman Syndrome and the cycle of abuse - Why survivors and protective mothers are often blamed - How coercive control can maintain power in abusive relationships - Why loving moments can make leaving more difficult - The challenges of protecting children exposed to domestic violence - Why leaving can be the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship - How to support survivors without judgment or pressure - The importance of friendship, compassion, and community support
WHY LISTENUnderstanding abuse requires us to look beyond individual incidents and recognize the patterns that keep people trapped. Dr. Walker’s work reminds us that survivors need support, not blame, and that every person’s circumstances are different.
We can help by listening without judgment, respecting each survivor’s decisions, and creating communities where people know they are not alone.
ABOUT DR. LENORE E. WALKERDr. Lenore E. Walker is a psychologist known for her pioneering work on Battered Woman Syndrome and the cycle of abuse. Her research has contributed to the understanding of domestic violence and the experiences of survivors. She is also a fiction author.
CONNECT WITH DR. LENORE E. WALKERWebsite: https://www.drlenoreewalker.com/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@drlenorewalker Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drlenorewalker/Books: https://www.drlenoreewalker.com/books/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lenoreewalker?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=0cc31578-5bf0-4d04-8769-cca059ac561c CONNECT WITH DR. CHRISTINE COCCHIOLALinktree: https://linktr.ee/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=406386c4-7be3-4e6d-b570-6da04bda212e TEDx Talk — “It is ALL Coercive Control”:https://youtu.be/gp2qByKOue4?si=U0Csy-kPrRmrB950 BOOKS BY DR. CHRISTINE COCCHIOLAEvery Moment of Every Day FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld If this conversation resonates with you, please subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review. Thank you for helping us continue these important conversations.
#PerfectPrey #LenoreWalker #BatteredWomanSyndrome #CycleOfAbuse #CoerciveControl #DomesticViolence
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