Love, family, shared memories, and a sense of commitment are bonds that are hard to break. Cultural or religious beliefs may become impossible barriers to ending a marriage. Immigration status may be another obstacle. Battered women face the additional risks of physical, emotional and psychological harm. In addition, many battered women want the violence and abuse to stop, but they don't want the relationship to end.
Many women feel responsible for the abuse.
Seeking help, getting an order of protection, or deciding to leave only makes sense to a woman when, on balance, it reduces the overall risks to her and her children. There are risks attached to every decision a battered woman makes.