Why is it so Hard for Women to Leave?
Women stay in abusive relationships for a multitude of reasons. Here are some of the common reasons why women may become trapped in abusive relationships:
• Abuse causes isolation.... no support systems, friends, or family
• Limited consequences (no jail time) for the batterer
• Self-blame, low self-esteem
• No economic resources
• No financial support
• Children
• Religion
• Social expectations
• Denial and minimization
• Fear of escalated violence
• No arrest, or the police will not intervene
• Abuser promises to change
• History of child abuse or witnessing abuse as a child may lead to an expectation that abuse is normal in adult relationships.
It is important to remember that most women eventually do leave ... and that leaving is sometimes the most dangerous time for many women. For some women leaving also does not necessarily end the abuse.
• Abuse causes isolation.... no support systems, friends, or family
• Limited consequences (no jail time) for the batterer
• Self-blame, low self-esteem
• No economic resources
• No financial support
• Children
• Religion
• Social expectations
• Denial and minimization
• Fear of escalated violence
• No arrest, or the police will not intervene
• Abuser promises to change
• History of child abuse or witnessing abuse as a child may lead to an expectation that abuse is normal in adult relationships.
It is important to remember that most women eventually do leave ... and that leaving is sometimes the most dangerous time for many women. For some women leaving also does not necessarily end the abuse.
Did You Know? The costs of domestic violence exceed $4.1 billion dollars per year in direct medical and mental health care services.
Hotline: 802-658-1996
TDD: 658-1996
1-800-ABUSE95 Domestic Violence Emergency Hotline
Toll Free from anywhere in Vermont
YOUR SUPPORT CHANGES LIVES
