Why Do Victims of Domestic Violence Stay in Abusive Relationships?

 Posted on January 25, 2018 in Domestic Abuse

Nobody deserves to be hurt by someone they love, but sadly, domestic violence is prevalent in our society. Domestic violence is also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse, or relationship abuse. It is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

An abuser may slap, kick, hit, or physically assault their partner in order to keep the victim under his or her control. He or she may also use psychological methods of maintaining power over the victim. For example, he or she might threaten his or her victim’s children or family, use insults to break down the victim’s confidence, or purposely humiliate the victim. There are men and women who put up with cruel treatment like this for years before getting out of the abusive relationships. There are several complicated reasons that such victims of domestic violence stay in abusive situations.

Financial Dependence

Sometimes, a victim’s life circumstances lead him or her to believe that they cannot leave an abusive relationship. Many victims of abuse are financially dependent on their abuser. They worry that they will not be able to afford to live on their own. Other victims of domestic violence simply do not realize that there are resources available to help men and women who are leaving an abusive romantic partner. Some men and women stay because they fear retaliation if they were to leave.

Custody Concerns

After years and years of abuse, some victims may start to believe the lies that their abusers tell them. A victim may hesitate to go to the police about the domestic violence in his or her home because they assume the police will not believe them. Some abusive partners use a tactic called “gaslighting” to confuse their victims or make them believe lies. A victim may be unsure of what events have actually happened and fear that this uncertainty will lead to others doubting his or her story.

There are also victims of domestic violence who stay in the relationship because they fear that if they leave, that their abuser will get custody of their children. It is important to note that the state of Illinois takes accusations of domestic violence very seriously and will not place a child in an unsafe home.

Let Us Help

If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence, you should know that resources exist to help victims get back on their feet after leaving an abusive relationship. An emergency order of protection can be obtained without delay and could be the first step towards a victim’s freedom from abuse. If you have questions about you or your children’s rights, need assistance leaving an abusive spouse, or have other family law needs, contact an experienced domestic violence lawyer in Rolling Meadows. Call 847-253-3100 for a free consultation at Cosley Law Office today.

Sources:

http://www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org/abuse-victims-stay.html

http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/