Why Abusive Relationships Continue

Abused individuals often have difficulty preventing or escaping abuse.  They stay in abusive relationships for many reasons.  Some stay because they blame themselves, believe the abuse will stop, are emotionally dependent, or fear they will be seriously injured if they attempt to discontinue the relationship.

Here are some ways abusers maintain dominance and inhibit their partners from leaving:

Intimidation:  Abusers may frighten their victims by using looks, actions, gestures, or loud voices, by smashing things, or by destroying their victim’s property.
  
Threats:  Abusers may threaten to harm their partner or her family and friends or commit suicide.  Such threats add to the anxiety, guilt, and fear experienced by victims.
  
Extreme Controlling Behavior:  Abusers may control their partner’s activities, companions, or whereabouts.
  
Isolation:  Abusers often control what their victims do, whom they see, and where they go.  Many abusers feel very threatened by anyone with whom their victims have contact.