Some, however, fight back, but with widely varying results, Martin cautioned. Many victims of spouse abuse fear for their lives or for the safety of their children. The exact location of a woman in placement is kept secret, to protect her from her abuser. Safe homes are provided by volunteers who agree to temporarily house, feed, and provide emotional support to the victim and any children. Martin recalled a number of times where abusers have called the women's hotline to demand to know where they wives.
Confidentiality is a watchword at the center.
Martin said the answer varies. Some women are ashamed of what has been done to them, or fear reprisals against themselves or their children if they report the abuse. Others have difficulty overcoming a fear of helplessness and an inability to make decisions. Still other women feel that they belong to their husbands or are in some way responsible for the abuse. We refer abusers to other service agencies in the community.