Because she now blames herself, she is willing to protect her abuser by lying about injuries. There may be economic reasons for a victim being reluctant to leave, she may face a substantial drop in her lifestyle and income if she leaves. The abuser will have isolated her so may not have good friends to help her. Refuges are not for everyone, and they are often not the best place to go as many abusers do know where they are. Refuges usually offer a place in another part of the country and the victim may be reluctant to move so far away.
Children are another 'reason' for staying in an abusive relationship.
If the abuser does not target the children, the woman may feel that she should stay for 'the children's sake'. In fact, witnessing violence towards their mother can be extremely damaging to the children. If that does happen, the woman is far more likely to seek help and leave the relationship. Abusers minimize and deny the abuse, and to some extent the victim does this as well. This may sound strange but it is an effective 'coping' strategy for women in an abusive relationship.