Battering is part of a pattern of coercive tactics, including verbal,
psychological, and sexual abuse, that a man uses to intimidate, undermine, and force his female partner to comply with his wishes. The
experience can be likened to brainwashing. Three sets of ideas seem
important for feminist social workers to consider in working with
such women: (1) a structural approach to practice; (2) empowerment
through recasting perceptions, raising consciousness, and increasing
access to opportunities and resources; and (3) using the small group
as a supportive agency.
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