Why Would a Woman Stay in an Abusive Relationship?

Judge Richard Halloran serves as a Wayne County Circuit Court Judge in Michigan, where he deals primarily with family issues such as divorce, custody, and protection orders. An advocate for preventing domestic violence, Judge Richard B. Halloran is knowledgeable in the area of abuse and has previously contributed an article to The Michigan Chronicle on the reasons women might stay in an abusive relationship.

There are several reasons why a woman might be hesitant to leave an abusive relationship, and the reasons vary according to each unique woman. Staying with an abuser can be the result of simply being too embarrassed to admit the outcome of the relationship or trying to appease friends or family members who discourage leaving.

An abused woman might also feel obligated to stay in an abusive relationship if there are children involved or if her religious or cultural background discourages divorce. She might also lack money or a place to go upon leaving.

Finally, some women stay in an abusive relationship because they are unaware of what a healthy relationship looks like or do not realize just how bad their abuser treats them.