Often they will take control over finances and assets, threaten, curse and put down victims until they feel extremely fearful and helpless. Signs of physical abuse such as broken bones or teeth, black eyes or bruising on body and face, welts and cuts. Women fear more abuse out of retaliation and even death if they leave or attempt to leave. Women who have children fear they will lose their children and many lack the financial resources to get out. When abuse has taken place over a long period of time, women are so fearful and they lack the self esteem and confidence to leave.
Some women are simply in denial and ashamed.
Women are not the only victims of domestic violence. Where a woman who has children, these kids are also the innocent victims. Countless numbers of children have witnessed violence take place in their homes between their parents. It's no surprise that children become traumatized when they see violence take place, when their father hits their mother. They are masters of seeing the unknown and hearing the unspoken.