So why do people stay in domestic violence relationships? People stay for many reasons, including:

Fear – Many abusers threaten to harm themselves, their partners, the children or pets if they try to leave. Additionally, many victims fear the unknown.

Love – Victims often genuinely love the abuser and want the relationship to work.

Economics – People may lack the financial resources or job skills to make it on their own.

Faith – Victims believe the abuser will change.

Self-esteem – Victims are often too brutalized to make a decision.

Children – Many victims believe that it’s better to keep the family together, particularly if the children are not being abused.