Many women are not allowed to have any money, use the checkbook, keep money they earn themselves, or know where their bank accounts are. Common examples include denying contact with friends and family, using the phone, leaving a particular room of the house, using the car, and reading material. Threats and Intimidation are effectibe and require little effort. A common threat used is taking the children away and proving the victim is an unfit parent. Victims may be threatened with physical abuse for noncompliance with what the abuser wants or if the victim tries to leave the relationship.
Children are often overlooked victims of abusive relationships.
Domestic violence tends to be repeated in successive generations. Male victims of domestic violence do exist and shelter services are separate from women and children. Economics - Economic dependency of the abuser fosters the feeling of the inablilty to support oneself and children. Not Believed - Fear that no one will believe that abuse occurs as the partner behaves differently in public. Belief System - The family, religious and community values may predispose the victim to stay.