A larger proportion of the violence happens after she leaves. If she leaves if often increases the batterer's need for power and control. There is evidence that many times women will be stalked by their batterers. This is when the woman often returns because of fear and loss of control. The articles each showed the many factors that do come in roll with a woman's decision to stay or leave an abusive relationship.
All women have different variables attached to their decision.
As I was reading the articles, I finally realized that it could be one of the hardest decisions a woman has to make. It does take time and thinking to decide this. I am hoping that battered women know the resources that are available for them. Today there are many new programs and resources that battered women can turn to for help. I think it is very important to show battered women that there are battered women shelters, hot lines, counseling centers and many other places to turn to.