In this episode of "Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski," psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott joins to discuss the upcoming murder trial of former ballerina Ashley Benefield. Benefield is accused of fatally shooting her husband, Doug Benefield, under claims of self-defense, citing abuse and the need to protect herself while pregnant. However, courts have found her allegations of abuse lacking credibility. Scott explores the complexity of determining the truth in such cases, highlighting the potential use of psychological evaluations to identify Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS), a subset of PTSD resulting from prolonged abuse. Scott explains that BWS manifests as alternating periods of anxiety and depression, hyper-vigilance, and sleep problems, impacting victims profoundly. Scott emphasizes the difficulty in evaluating the veracity of abuse claims, noting that psychological assessments can be crucial in discerning genuine cases from fabricated ones. Scott underscores that inconsistencies in a person's story, especially when told differently over time, can indicate deceit. Psychological tests like the MMPI can help detect lies and personality constructs, providing valuable insights. The conversation also delves into the possibility that individuals with intense personalities might exaggerate or believe their own fabricated narratives, as seen in cases like Sherry Papini's. Scott concludes by acknowledging the prevalence of false abuse claims, particularly in child custody battles, and the significant challenges in separating truth from deception.

**Bullet Points:**

- Ashley Benefield accused of murdering husband Doug Benefield, claiming self-defense due to abuse.

- Courts have found her abuse allegations not credible.

- Discussion on the potential use of psychological evaluations to identify Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS).

- BWS is a subset of PTSD caused by prolonged abuse, leading to anxiety, depression, hyper-vigilance, and sleep problems.

- Psychological assessments are crucial in determining the truth of abuse claims.

- Inconsistencies in stories can indicate deceit; psychological tests like the MMPI can help detect lies.

- Individuals with intense personalities might exaggerate or believe their own fabricated narratives.

- Prevalence of false abuse claims, especially in child custody battles, adds to the complexity of such cases.

#AshleyBenefield #DougBenefield #ShavaunScott #BatteredWomanSyndrome #PTSD #FalseAbuseClaims #PsychologicalEvaluation

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