Even then, most women did not disclose the cause of their injuries. Shame was one of the main reasons that women in Nicaragua gave for not disclosing violence. Many women say nothing about violence because they fear that they will be blamed for it. Fear of reprisals from their abusers is another reason that many women stay silent. Women living in abusive relationships typically are subject to strict controls over their mobility, and abusive husbands may go to great lengths to keep them from getting help.
Women are especially unlikely to disclose abuse to a health care provider in front of their abuser.