Discussion Assignment – Based on your own knowledge, respond to the following questions:

1. Should battered mothers be held legally responsible for protecting their children from abusers in their households? Why or why not?
2. Discuss the difficulties women experience when trying to leave abusive male partners.
3. What are the economic problems faced by battered women?
4. What services do shelters provide?
5. Why is it difficult for healthcare providers to respond to battered women’s problems?
6. Why can’t battered women count on the criminal justice system to protect them from an abusive male partner?