The Experiences of Women Experiencing Partner Violence and its Transit Throught the Court System. What do they Expect and what they Find?

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to show what psychological  research  has found about how battered women (who initiate a legal process) feel, even before reporting. Firstly, we point out the diff iculties  of women  to report  their  partner.  We continue  analysing  about  what women expect with reporting about it, how they feel the treat they receive in their contact with legal system and the f irsts answers they receive form Justice specially those answers concerning  Protective  Orders. We also analyse  their feelings  and expectations  during the legal process  and the importance  of having a specialised  advice and support.  Finally,  we emphasise  the  relevance  of  specialising  the  professionals  who  take  part  along  the  trial. Knowing  the emotions and conducts of women who suffer gender violence, and knowing the reasons to explain them, we expect to increase the understanding  of battered women, in  order to avoid their secondary  victimization  and avoid women  leave the trial due to a loss of confidence in legal system.