Many people continually ask why doesn’t the victim simply leave the relationship? Though in theory this may seem simple enough, it is not for a victim of domestic violence. A few reasons why people stay in abusive relationships are:

• Fear of the abuser
• Love
• Threats of violence toward the victim, loved ones, and/or pets
• Threats of suicide
• Abuser will take their children
• Religious/cultural beliefs
• Abuser will change
• Self-blame
• Limited financial options
• Belief that violence is normal
• Limited housing options
• Believes abuse is due to outside factors such as alcohol and financial pressures
• Low self-esteem
• Isolation
• Embarrassment and shame
• Feels no one can help
• Denial
• Pressure from friends and family to stay