Why do Women Stay
in Abusive Relationships?

The question, "Why do women stay in abusive relationships?" involves a wide range of complicated issues. Statistical evidence suggests that most women continue to stay with their family despite a constant barrage of domestic violence on them. This can range from verbal abuse to physical abuse and even threats to kill.

It seems so simple and rational that women who are subject to constant abuse would leave their house and live free from fear and violence. However, women continue to stay in abusive relationships for various reasons.

Why Do Women Stay in Abusive Relationships?

Financial Dependency: Most women are engaged in household work and bearing and raising children. This is the major reason why the women continue to stay in abusive relationships. They do not get a proper education or job-oriented training. As a result, they are dependent upon their partners or other members of their family from financial point of view. Their biggest problem is how to survive if they leave their homes.

Lack Information: A number of social and religious organizations work for the rehabilitation of women who escape abusive relationships. However, most women who are subject to domestic abuse are not aware of these rehabilitation programs and continue to stay in their abusive relationships.

Emotional Factor: Another answer to the question why do women stay in abusive relationships is that they have deep feelings of love and emotional bondage for their abusive partners. Most of the women believe that their abusive partners will mend their ways, and they will eventually lead a peaceful life. Another reason is that the women are more attached to their children. They continue to stay in the abusive relationships for the sake of their children.

Family and Social Values: In most societies, women are made to think that their whole life is meant to see after the welfare of their family. They are not supposed to leave their homes under any circumstances. Many times, the women who do leave their homes to escape domestic violence do not get proper treatment or support in society. This social stigma and its subsequent feeling of insecurity is another reason why women continue to stay in abusive relationships.

Psychological Dependency: Constant physical and verbal abuse and death threats create a sense of fear among the victims of domestic abuse. Women think that if they leave their home, there is a very real threat to their life and their children. Many women are killed when they try to leave. When the women is leaving is the time when the women is in the greatest danger.Constant abuse makes women so psychologicalyl dependent that they fail to accurately judge what is right and what is wrong for them. They fail to take any independent decision. As a result, they are left with no other option but to stay in abusive relationships.

Why do women stay in abusive relationships? For all the reasons listed above, as well as many others. But there is no reason good enough to actually justify staying.

Please, if you are suffering the abuse of another, do whatever you have to to protect yourself . . . NOW!