There may not be support from friends and family to leave the batterer, and she may not know how to access other resources. The victim knows the difficulties of single parenting with reduced financial and economic resources, and social status. She may not own property that is solely hers and may lack access to cash or bank accounts. There is a mix of good times, love and hope along with manipulation, intimidation and fear. These are hard to separate and the victim may blame herself for the abuse.
Most women have at least one dependent child.
Leaving can mean living in fear, and with constant harassment. Also, the woman may lose custody of her child or children. Many women are not employed outside of the home and may be socially and financially isolated. Most counselors and clergy are trained to save marriages, not stop the violence. Many women do not believe divorce is a viable alternative, or that single parenting is acceptable.