Many other reasons for staying may be present, including:

Fear what the abuser will do if she leaves:
The abuser may…
   • Inflict more abuse or more severe abuse may occur.
   • Carry out threats to kill the victim.
   • Destroy victim’s belongings in the home.
   • Affect victim’s job or reputation at work, church, etc.
   • Have victim arrested or charged with a crime, such as drug use or child abuse.
   • Harm children, pets, family or friends.
   • Not allow the victim to see children or grandchildren.
   • Kill the victim or self.
   • Put victim in a nursing home or declare him/her incompetent.

Isolation and lack of resources:
The victim may have…
   • No money on hand for rent or deposits for a new home.
   • No income.
   • No safe place to go.
   • Few people to lend solid emotional support.
   • No transportation.
   • Few or unsafe housing choices.
   • Physical inability to leave.

Lack of support
The victim may…
   • Feel there are no friends or family to turn to.
   • Be ashamed or embarrassed to turn to friends or family for help.
   • Be afraid of being alone and without a partner, or without a caregiver.
   • Fear that no one will believe him/her.

Feelings and beliefs:
The victim may stay due to…
   • Feeling responsible for the abusive partner’s feelings, expectations, image, etc.
   • Feeling love for the batterer - knowing his/her good, positive, or non-abusive side may
     give the victim hope that change is near.
   • Religious or social beliefs that divorce is wrong.
   • Religious or social beliefs that children should have two parents.
   • Religious or social belief that women must obey and support men.
   • Blaming him/herself for the problems.
   • Believing that as a parent, he/she is responsible for the abuser’s upbringing and
     consequent bad behavior.