In the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, one in four women indicated that they had been victims of domestic violence at one point in their lives. The highest rate of violence was found in women between the ages of 45 and 54. Domestic violence results in serious consequences. The CDC found in their 2005 report Adverse Health Conditions and Health Risk Behaviors Associated with Intimate Partner Violence that intimate partner violence (IPV) results in 1,200 deaths and two million injuries in women each year. Despite the problems caused by abuse, many women stay in their relationships. Some women feel an obligation to stay with their partner, and others do not think they have a way out.
Obligation to Stay with Abusive Partner
The University of Northern Iowa states that even when faced with the abusive nature of their partners, some victims feel that it is their obligation as a wife to stay in that environment. For example, an abused woman may stay for the sake of her children, stating that she wants to have their father in their lives. Some women may have pressure from other family members to keep the relationship together, or have religious beliefs that do not approve of divorce. Other women may stay in the abusive relationship out of loyalty to their partners, or because they love them.
Shame or Denial of the Abuse
Some victims of abuse feel ashamed about the abuse and do not want anyone else to know about it. Victims may also have low self-esteem from the abuse, in which she blames herself for what has happened, or thinks that no one else will love her. Other women may deny the abuse, saying that it is not that bad, or that the abusive partner is remorseful.
Fear of Retaliation from Abuser
Victims may also be fearful of what would happen to them if they leave their relationships. For example, they may be afraid of retaliation from their abusive partners for leaving them, and may feel they are at greater danger if they leave. Some women may fear that their partners will commit suicide if they leave them. Abused women may also be worried about how they will survive on their own. Legal issues are also a concern, such as custody of the children or deportation if the victim is not a citizen of the country. Some victims do not know where they could get help, which can deter them from leaving abusive relationships.
Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch - Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch is a recent graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, CT with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in ...
