@HillaryPowers 29 July 2021

Why people don't leave an abusive relationship

Image source https://unsplash.com/photos/3zgllN5P7Mc Abuse in a relationship can either be physical and emotional. Physical abuse is characterized by bodily damages suffered by an individual as inflicted by their partner. On the other hand, emotional abuse has to do with the use of foul languages on one's partner, taking undue advantage of their feelings and attempting to dominate them as a result. A spouse can also be abused sexually if they are forced into intimacy against their will. In fact, there is now a concept known as Marital rape. Every year, an average of ten million men and women are victims of abuse in a relationship. Nevertheless, the number increases each passing year. While women are typically victims of physical abuse, men tend to suffer emotional abuse mostly. Walking out of an abusive relationship might not be as easy as it sounds but it is always the best decision to make when one is stuck with an abusive partner. However there are several reasons impeding a spouse from walking out of a relationship when it becomes abusive. Below are seven of the reasons why people stay put in an abusive relationships. **MONEY** For some, it's better to be with a rich and abusive partner than with a loving but broke one even though they know quite well that they will be made a punching bag for their spouse. Who says money can't buy happiness, eh? **RELIGION** "Till death do us part" is one of the many religious mantras that have literally sent many victims of an abusive relationship to their early graves. Most religious beliefs frown at divorce and adherents of such religious practices feel that they owe it to their faith to stay put in a marriage at all cost. **STOCKHOLM SYNDROME** Strange but true, the more they get abused, the more some victims nurse feelings of sympathy and affection towards their abusers, hoping to change them with time. This is a psychological condition in which a hostage is emotionally drawn to their captor and it is officially known as the Stockholm syndrome. So sometimes, don't suspect a diabolical power at work when you find a domestically abused spouse still choosing to cling to their partner. It just might be a clear symptom of Stockholm Syndrome. **CHILDREN** Most victims, especially women, sacrifice their own safety and happiness for their children's. Research over the years have proven that children who grew up in broken homes tend to have issues that most of the time make them constitute a nuisance to the society. Knowing this, some selfless individuals stay put in an abusive marriage for the sake of their children. Also, being a single father or mother isn't a piece of cake. **CULTURE** Some cultures, especially in African societies, see women who are not married or who have separated from their husbands as being unchaste and lacking in good virtues. As a result, in such a cultural society where divorcees are seen to be morally bankrupt, it becomes very hard to walk out of a relationship even when it is severly abusive. **LOW SELF-ESTEEM** Most victims of abusive relationships tend to think very little of themselves, falsely believing that abuse is all they truly deserve. This may also be pointers to some psychological condition such as depression, Bipolar disorder and a host of others. **FEAR** Sometimes, the fear of being unable to find love again might just be the sole reason a person puts up with an abusive partner. Regardless of all these, always learn to put your safety and happiness first. Never hesitate to walk out of an abusive relationship at the first chance you get. And remember to shut the door behind you.