They do not provoke or deserve it. Because of religious, cultural or socially learned beliefs, a woman may feel that it is her duty to keep a marriage or relationship together at all costs. Some women will endure physical and emotional abuse to keep the family together. Very often, it is when the violence is directed toward her children that she will take them and leave. A woman may be financially dependent on her partner.
Submission is forced on victims.
Submission to violence is not the result of an inherent defect in the victim. The batterer has often threatened to harm the victim s children, friends, family or himself if she leaves. A woman is often in the most physical danger when she attempts to leave. She may be threatened or attacked. She fears for her safety, her children s safety and the safety of those who help her.