
Why Don’t People Just Leave? The Truth Behind Staying in Abusive Relationships.
- Hooked4U

- Oct 14
- 1 min read
It’s one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions survivors face:
“If it was really that bad, why didn’t they just leave?”
The truth? Leaving isn’t simple. It’s dangerous, complicated, and often life-altering. On average, it takes a survivor seven attempts to leave an abusive relationship for good. Here’s why:
💜 Fear: Leaving is often the most dangerous time. Abusers may escalate their behavior when they feel they’re losing control.
💜 Isolation: Many survivors have been cut off from friends, family, and resources. They may feel completely alone.
💜 Financial Control: Some abusers control the money, employment, or access to transportation, making independence nearly impossible.
💜 Children & Family Pressure: Survivors may stay to protect their children or fear losing custody. Cultural or religious pressures can also play a role.
💜 Emotional Manipulation: Abusers often alternate between cruelty and affection—keeping survivors trapped in a cycle of hope, guilt, and fear.
💜 Lack of Support or Resources: Shelters, safe housing, and legal help aren’t always available or accessible.
✨ Closing Message
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, remember: It’s never your fault. You are not alone. You deserve to be safe.
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)💬 Text “START” to 88788🌐 www.thehotline.org
🧶 Hooked4U stands with survivors — stitch by stitch, story by story.


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