1. Select a discrete app icon.
notes
Barriers to Leaving
- May 15, 2016
- Undocumented, fear of deportation
- No knowledge of options
- No place to go
- Guilt
- Protecting abuser's military career
- Feeling it is safer to stay
- Promises of change
- Lack of transportation
- Denial
- No job skills
- Mentally disabled
- Hope that the violence will end
- Fear of losing child custody
- Rural settings, resulting isolation and lack of services
- Love
- Feeling abuse is deserved
- Negative experiences with the court system
- Children’s best interest
- Lack of an advocate
- Health issues
- Pressure from family members
- Unaware that abuse is a criminal offense
- Being a teen, not understanding safe relationships
- Substance or alcohol abuse
- Past criminal record
- Stockholm syndrome: sympathy for abuser
- Shame and embarrassment
- Being a student, fear of snitching and lack of support
- Mediation imbalance of power
- Mental issues
- Religious beliefs and misguided teachings
- Low self-esteem
- Fear of revealing sexual orientation (LBGTQ)
- Abuser’s excuses
- Elderly, traditional beliefs, dependent on others
- Wanting to keep the family together
- Gratitude for past deeds
- Disabilities
- Cultural and racial defenses
- Pressure from children
- Abuser threats, fear for life
- Abuser’s influence
- Fear the abuser will retaliate
- Financial abuse, no access to money
- The abuser is in law enforcement
- Incarcerated or newly released survivors
- Illiteracy
- Isolation
- Homelessness
- Financial despair
Related topics for you
Article
Ask Amanda: Is Estrangement a Form of Abuse?
Article
What Law Enforcement Should Know About Strangulation
Video
Announcing: The 2025 Purple Ribbon Awards
Article
What are the Consequences of Contacting an Abuser with a Protection Order in Place?
Article
