- Emotional dependency on the marital relationship, accompanied by feelings of low self-esteem and self-blame.
- Lack of financial resources and employment income necessary to establish and maintain an independent household. - Concern about the effects of separation and divorce on the children.
- Concern about the loss of economic security and benefits, such as retirement income and health insurance.
- Feelings of love toward the spouse, coupled with hopes that the relationship will improve and violence will cease.
- Denial of the potential for severe abuse, rationalizations and excuses for the abuser's behavior, as well as the inability to assess accurately the risks of the situation.
- Physical and/or social isolation from family, friends and community resources.
- Concern about negative implication of divorce on career.
- Strong cultural and religious beliefs about the importance of maintaining a marriage.
- Feelings of shame about the occurence of violence in the relationship, preventing requests for help.
- Acceptance of violence as "normal" in families because of exposure to violent episodes as a child.
- Lack of, or perceived lack of police protection and other forms of intervention.
- Lack of informtion regarding legal rights, legal options and resources available for victims.
- Prior unsuccessful attempts to obtain help from the extended family or from law enforcement, legal and social service systems.
- Concern that a report of violence will not be believed or that the "tradition" of non-intervention into private family life will prevail.
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