top of page

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


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.



 
 
 

Recent Posts

See All
Three More Weeks!

Boy how time flies! The Race for the Cure is in three weeks and we are getting our hats ready. We are still looking for volunteers to...

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page