Battering is a behavioral choice. Many victims make numerous changes in their behavior in the hope that this will stop the abuse. This does not work. Victims exaggerate the level of abuse. If it was really that bad, they would leave.
Most victims actually minimize the abuse because of self blame, guilt or shame.
Victims considering leaving their abusers are faced with the very real possibility of continued threats and harassment, severe physical injury and even death. Domestic violence is the only crime in which the victim, in order to escape the dangers, has to leave home, friends, family, economic security, pets, belongings and sometimes the city behind for a safer, more peaceful life. People consistently place responsibility for violence and abuse on the perpetrator. Most people blame the victim of domestic violence for the crime, some without realizing it. They expect the victim to stop the violence and repeatedly analyze their motivations for not leaving, rather than questioning why the abuser continues the abuse, and why the community tolerates and allows it.