This week I’m reposting the conclusion to my 8 part series on ‘Why Women Stay’. I feel it is important that people understand the complex issue regarding leaving an abuser. Every situation is different, but these eight reasons play a crucial role in the decision to leave.
The main points we covered during the 8 week series are:
1) Manipulation and Isolation
2) Children
3) Hope
4) Money
5) Love
6) Society and preconceived beliefs
7) Separation Violence
8) FEAR
These are some of the reasons why women stay longer than they’d like to. They are certainly compelling motives. Try to put yourself in an abused woman’s shoes. She is risking her children, support system, quality of life, and possibly her own life when she makes the difficult decision to leave.
She needs our support and guidance. A shoulder to cry on. Someone to watch her children, help her with a resume. We can assure her that the abuse is not her fault.
She should get in contact with a domestic violence organization and discuss the situation with the local police. We can help her by giving her the phone numbers.
Remember, if we can help just one victim, we’ve done our job.
Have a wonderful week!
Katelin Maloney