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.
According to a 2000 UNICEF study 20 - 50% of the female population of the world will become victims of domestic violence
Hotline: 802-658-1996
TDD: 658-1996
1-800-ABUSE95 Domestic Violence Emergency Hotline
Toll Free from anywhere in Vermont
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