What can cause a distortion of reality for a battered woman?

A distortion of reality for a battered woman can often occur due to the cyclical nature of abusive relationships, where victims experience a pattern of abuse followed by reconciliation, leading to confusion and conflicting emotions. This cycling through stages of abuse—tension building, incident, reconciliation, and calm—can create an environment where the victim feels uncertain about their perceptions and experiences.

During the cycle, the emotional highs and lows may distort the victim's understanding of the relationship. They may begin to believe that the abusive behavior is a reflection of their own worth or that the abuser's kindness during the reconciliation phase is sincere and indicative of their true character, despite the recurring pattern of abuse. This cyclical confusion can lead to a significant distortion of reality as the survivor struggles to reconcile the loving moments with the violent ones, often leading to self-blame and a diminished sense of reality regarding their situation.

In contrast, factors such as consistent emotional support, freedom from abuse for extended periods, and regular therapy sessions typically work towards helping an individual regain clarity, validate their experiences, and instill a greater understanding of healthy relationship dynamics.