In spite of her pain she will love and feel loyal to her mate. She will believe that if she stay long enough they will be able to rescue the situation. Many wives of abusive husbands are drawn to such men because of the need to be responsible for and nurture someone who has problems. Time after time the husband promises to change and she clings to that hope. By the time they come for help they have cut off most family, friends, and church.
Many women have very little self confidence after years of abuse.
She will come for help only when she believes the children are in danger. They see themselves as wives and mothers who should be nurturing, submissive and forgiving of their husband. Bitterness will spring up time after time.