- Fear of escalation in danger and risk of death to the victim
- Fear of losing custody of their children
- Fear of not being able to survive financially without the abuser
- Fear of the abuser hurting others, including children and pets
- Fear of still not being free despite leaving
- Fear of being a single parent
- Fear of failing to successfully leave
- Fear of losing job or career
- Fear of homelessness
- Fear of child being fatherless
- Fear the abuser will commit suicide
- Fear abuser will tell secrets of the relationship to others
- Lack of emotional support
- Lack of community resources
- Lack of money
- Religious beliefs, such as forgiveness, submissive wife
- Raised in abuse, abuse is normalized or not so bad
- Realizing that the abuser is not abusive ALL the time, good times outweigh the bad
- Isolation from people and means to escape
- Shame and embarrassment
- Distrust of others to help
- Overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, PTSD symptoms
- Belief and prayers that abuser may change
- Blaming self for abuser’s behavior
- Victim’s medical condition
*If you or someone you know needs Domestic Violence help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233. If in immediate danger, call 911.