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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

Email

[email protected]

Business Line

(970) 351-0476

Mailing Address

PO Box 71
Greeley, CO 80632

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Copyright © 2020
  • Home
  • New Safehouse Campaign
  • Donate
    • Tax Credit
  • Get Help
  • About AWP
    • AWP In The News
    • Our Services >
      • Emergency Shelter
      • Legal Services
      • Housing Services
      • Employment Services
  • Learn More
    • Facts & Statistics
    • Dynamics of Abuse
    • Warning Signs
    • Teen Dating Violence
    • Barriers to Leaving
    • Support a Friend
  • Get Involved
    • Join Our Mailing List
    • Fundraisers/Donations
    • Community Education & Professional Training >
      • Presentation Reviews
    • Internships
    • Events >
      • FAWP Gala 2025
      • Cornhole Tournament
  • Survivor Testimonials
  • Español
    • Sobre Violencia Doméstica
  • EXIT!