Some Additional Ways for Staying

  • isolation/lack of emotional support
  • feeling responsible for the abuse 
  • guilt 
  • love/attachment to the partner
  • fear of making major life changes
  • feeling helpless, hopeless and trapped
  • concern about never having another relationship
  • feeling safer knowing where their partner is each day
  • commitment to keeping the family intact
  • belief that they are the only one who can help the abusive person with their problems (and so are responsible for that person’s wellbeing)
  • belief that the partner who is causing harm will change