I think it is not as simple as choosing to leave and it all stops, everything is ok then. Unfortunately leaving can make things worse, there are very scary stories of woman who got out of abusive relationships and payed the ultimate price, either with their own lives, there children's lives or both.
The ramifications of leaving can be horrible and sometimes the woman chooses what she sees as the lesser of two evils and goes back.
They can isolate you so much that you have no one to turn to, you are embarrassed to tell people what you are going through because of the stigma attached to being a battered woman.
You have no money, car, petrol, self esteem or self worth...they have total control because they isolate you.
I wish it was as black and white as you either choose to leave or choose to stay...unfortunately it is no where near as simple as that.

I agree Dianne (sorry can't quote) you really can't understand unless you have been their yourself.


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