The woman has been perceived as property of the man, bound to obey him and subject to his control. There has been little objection to a man's using force against his wife. Women are socialized to nurture their partners. Institutions perpetuate male domination, men's status is upheld by the division of labor, and women are all too often economically dependent upon men. Women are terrified that they will not survive without their partner's salary.
Men are aware of the powerlessness that economic dependence breeds in thir female partners.
One out of three female-headed houdeholds is living below the poverty level. Leaving violent situations often means accepting poverty or living on the edge of survival. The division of labor in our society has historically allocated domestic duties to women. Women have been responsible for providing a happy family life, being caretakers, and the nurturers of their children. When women are battered, thy often internalize the blame, feeling that thy failed in their primary role.