When “Enough is Enough”: Battered Women's Decision Making Around Court Orders of Protection

Abstract

Different reasons compel battered women to seek court orders of protection. Battered women decide to invoke the legal system by determining that they have had “enough.” At this point women must often confront significant barriers to obtaining court orders, most of which involve symbolic and tangible fears. A number of motivations, however, seem to counteract these fears. In addition, women may experience psychological benefits from orders by gaining some measure of control in their lives. A greater understanding of the factors involved in such decision making may assist legal authorities who deal with battered women.