Belief than violence can be handled within the family. The effects of domestic violence are felt far beyond the home. Often women fear retaliation or death if they leave their partner. Women who leave have a 75 percent greater risk of being killed by the batterer than those who stay. Often, the criminal justice system cannot protect them since batterers cannot be kept in custody in many states until an act of violence is proven.
Many women stay to preserve the family .
They see their role in maintaining the family as a wife, mother, and homemaker. Leaving the situation is an admission of failure for them. They also face a real possibility of losing custody of the children . Even if they leave, in many states, judges are not required to consider proof of domestic violence in custody disputes. Many women are financially dependent on their partners.