Effects of Abuse

Why Do Women Stay in Abusive Relationships?


  • Ambivalent About Life Changes
  • Belief That Violence is Normal in a Relationship
  • Believes Abuse is Her Fault
  • Believes She Can Make Relationship Work
  • Blames Alcohol or Some Other Problem for the Above
  • Economic Dependence
  • Emotional Dependence
  • Fear of Involvement in Court Processes
  • Fear of Losing Children
  • Fear of Physical Danger
  • Fear of Retaliation
  • Hope That He Will Change
  • Lack of Perceived Alternatives
  • Religious or Cultural Beliefs

An Abusive Relationship Affects You!


Apart from physical danger, abuse can lead to such mental health problems as:
  • Depression
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Nervousness
  • Sleeplessness
Frequent abuse can destroy self-esteem and can lead you to:
  • Accept abuse as a normal aspect of a relationship.
  • Believe that you are responsible for the abuse.