Domestic violence knows no national borders and it cuts across all social, economic, racial and religious boundaries. Violence in the home has its roots in inequality, control and power. Breaking the Silence There are many myths and prejudices surrounding domestic violence which make abused women fearful of speaking out and which lead to negative responses when they do seek help. Outsiders may not understand why a woman does not simply leave or, having left, why she sometimes returns, perhaps more than once. It is important to understand that leaving an abusive relationship is not a single act but a process.
Women stay for many reasons ranging from love to terror, through to crude economics.
Leaving is an act requiring strength and resourcefulness that may have been eroded by fear and despair. A woman may hope that her partner will change and that the family can stay together. A violent partner may exhibit periods of loving behaviour and show genuine remorse. Support services for women fleeing domestic violence vary widely around the country. Difficulties with housing and money, as well as a range of emotional pressures, may force a woman to return to an abusive partner, leaving again might not seem to be an option.