[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[October 27, 1992]
[Pages 2028-2029]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Battered Women's Testimony Act of 1992
October 27, 1992

    Today I am signing into law H.R. 1252, the ``Battered Women's 
Testimony Act of 1992.''
    Each year, more than 3 million women are the victims of domestic 
violence. Of these, between 3,000 and 4,000 are murdered by a spouse or 
domestic partner. Many of these attacks are witnessed by children.
    Some victims of domestic violence are driven to retaliate and even 
kill their abusive spouses. In some cases these victims may raise as a 
legal defense ``battered woman's syndrome.'' This syndrome, which some 
experts believe is brought on by repeated physical, mental, or sexual 
attacks by a spouse or partner, may help to explain or extenuate these 
retaliatory attacks. Expert testimony regarding the nature and effect of 
``battered woman's syndrome'' is not universally accepted by all the 
States.
    H.R. 1252 addresses the problems associated with the defense of 
``battered woman's syndrome'' in two ways. First, it authorizes a study 
on the admissibility of expert testimony on the experiences of battered 
women in the defense of criminal cases under State law. Second, the bill 
directs the development and dissemination of training materials to 
assist battered women and

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their attorneys and advocates in using expert testimony in appropriate 
cases.
    I am pleased to approve this legislation and to commend its sponsor 
and cosponsors for taking this important step in combatting violence 
against women.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
October 27, 1992.

                    Note: H.R. 1252, approved October 27, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-527.