Women who stay in abusive relationships stay for a variety of reasons. There are as many reasons as there are victims. But some of the most common reasons are:
 | Economic dependence: Most women are financially dependent on their partner. She may not have any way to support her children and herself if she leaves. |
| Fear of physical danger: Leaving is the most dangerous time for battered women. She fears for the safety of her children, herself, and anyone else that attempts to assist her. |
| Fear of losing her children: Many batterers use the children in controlling their partners. They make them believe that are bad mothers and no judge would ever give the children to them. |
| Low Self-esteem: Most battered women have been told they can't do anything right or that they are no good. After so long they believe it to be true. |
| Religious Constraints: A women's religious beliefs may make her feel that she must keep the marriage together at all costs. That is she just "tried harder" to be a better wife things would improve. |