Why Does A Woman Stay in an Abusive Relationship?

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• economic dependence
• fear of greater physical danger to herself and her children if they leave
• fear of emotional damage to children
• fear of losing custody of children
• lack of alternative housing
• lack of job skills
• lack of support from family or friends
• lack of information regarding alternatives
• fear of involvement in court processes
• cultural and religious constraints
• fear of retaliation
• fear of loneliness
• insecurity over potential independence and lack of emotional support
• guilt about failure of relationship
• fear that batterer is unable to survive alone
• belief that he will change
• fear of making formidable life changes
• fear that a partner will threaten to hurt him or herself if the other decides to leave.
• doubt that the relationship is abusive; fear that she is over-reacting
• concern that the batterer may "get in trouble with the law" if abuse is reported