1. Fear of escalation in danger and risk of death to the victim
  2. Fear of losing custody of their children
  3. Fear of not being able to survive financially without the abuser
  4. Fear of the abuser hurting others, including children and pets
  5. Fear of still not being free despite leaving
  6. Fear of being a single parent
  7. Fear of failing to successfully leave
  8. Fear of losing job or career
  9. Fear of homelessness
  10. Fear of child being fatherless
  11. Fear the abuser will commit suicide
  12. Fear abuser will tell secrets of the relationship to others
  13. Lack of emotional support
  14. Lack of community resources
  15. Lack of money
  16. Religious beliefs, such as forgiveness, submissive wife
  17. Raised in abuse, abuse is normalized or not so bad
  18. Realizing that the abuser is not abusive ALL the time, good times outweigh the bad
  19. Isolation from people and means to escape
  20. Shame and embarrassment
  21. Distrust of others to help
  22. Overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, PTSD symptoms
  23. Belief and prayers that abuser may change
  24. Blaming self for abuser’s behavior
  25. 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.