This dissertation explores the etiology, phenomenology, and the symbolic meaning of violence against women from a depth psychological perspective. The dissertation is a theoretical study that examines how the suppression of the Sacred Feminine contributes to the societal repression of domestic violence. This study perceives domestic violence as a symptomatic expression of the loss of the archetype of the Sacred Feminine.

The incorporation of the Alchemical Hermeneutic method attains a deeper understanding and resultant reemergence of the Sacred Feminine. This method is situated in the framework of traditional hermeneutics; however it specifically recognizes and includes unconscious material which is crucial to this research process. This method opens a wider path for the Sacred Feminine to be understood in Her unique way and incorporates psyche's feminine style of expression through the inclusion of dreams, visions, physical symptoms, images, spirit visitors and synchronistic events. This theoretical work traverses to the center of the spiral and to the core of the understanding of the repressed Sacred Feminine.

The foundational theories supporting this research are from the traditions of Clinical Psychology, Jungian, post- Jungian, archetypal, and feminist theory. The current clinical interventions and treatments for domestic violence are presented and incorporated in this research. Anthropological sources and myths are a significant part of this research as well.

The findings and conclusions derived from this intensive Alchemical Hermeneutic research study have presented themselves as a new language, new diagnoses, and through a new way of perceiving the interconnectedness of all people. The new language that has arisen through this research is Intimate Partner Terrorism and Intimate Partner Murder. This study concludes with the development of two new clinical diagnoses. These diagnoses are Intimate Partner Hostage Syndrome and Abusive Attachment Personality Disorder. Detailed diagnostic features and criteria for these diagnoses are thoroughly presented in this dissertation. The conclusions of this dissertation contribute to the body of work in Clinical Psychology through these new diagnoses, new terminology, and an in-depth psychological understanding of the etiological roots of domestic violence which will contribute to ceasing the war against women.