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Barriers to Leaving

Domestic violence doesn’t always end when the victim escapes, tries to terminate the relationship, and/or seeks help. Often, abuse intensifies because the abuser feels a loss of control over the victim.  In fact, leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time for a victim of intimate partner violence.  A victim's reasons for staying with their abusers are extremely complex and, in most cases, are based on the reality that their abuser will follow through with threats; the victim may not be able to safely escape or protect those they love. 
Here are some examples that might prevent a victim from leaving an abusive relationship:
Personal Barriers
  • Embarrassment/shame
  • Fear judgment or stigmatization
  • Low self-esteem
  • Limited financial resources
  • No transportation
  • Lack of education, work history and/or job training​​​
  • ​Fear of revenge/retribution
  • Belief that abuse is normal
  • Want the abuse to end, but not the relationship
  • Feel isolated, depressed and helpless
  • Not aware that help and services are available
  • ​Love

​Social and Cultural Barriers
  • ​Cultural or ideological beliefs that enable/justify abuse
  • Male privilege
  • Traditional gender roles and expectations in relationships
  • Lack of validation and support from friends and family
  • Cultural or ideological beliefs that reinforce staying in the relationship and "making it work" no matter what
  • Geographic and/or social isolation from other communities and different ideological perspectives 
  • Language barriers

Societal Barriers
  • Affordable housing
  • Needs but is not eligible for social services
  • Limited employment opportunities 
  • Inefficient public transportation 
  • Lack of translation services
  • Lack of affordable childcare options
  • No domestic violence shelter or victim support services in the area

Legal
  • Fear of arrest /loss of child custody
  • Lack of victim support by law enforcement 
  • Reluctance to prosecute cases
  • Probation and/or fines are more common than jail time
  • Abusers can easily return and repeat abuse
  • High cost of legal representation
  • Fear of deportation
  • Struggles with substance abuse

CONTACT US

For emergencies, please call 9-1-1
24 hour crisis line: (970) 356-4226
​Toll Free: (866) 356-4226

Email

info@awpdv.org

Business Line

(970) 351-0476

Mailing Address

PO Box 71
Greeley, CO 80632

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A Woman's Place does not discriminate against any person because of race, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. 
​
​A Woman’s Place no discrimina a ningúna persona por motivos de raza, origen nacional o étnico, edad, religión, discapacidad, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad y expresión de género, estado de veterano o cualquier otra característica protegida por la ley federal o estatal aplicable.

Copyright © 2020
  • Home
  • Donate
  • Get Help
  • About AWP
    • 45th Anniversary
    • AWP In The News
    • Our Services >
      • Legal Services
      • Housing Services
      • Employment/Intervention services
    • Client Testimonials
  • Learn More
    • Facts & Statistics
    • Dynamics of Abuse
    • Warning Signs
    • Barriers to Leaving
    • Support a Friend
  • Get Involved
    • Join Our Mailing List
    • Community Education & Professional Training
    • Intern/Volunteer
    • Events >
      • 2023 FAWP Gala
      • Colorado Gives Day
  • Español
    • Sobre Violencia Doméstica
  • EXIT!