Why Didn’t You Leave?

There are so many reasons why victims don’t leave abusive situations or why they don’t share what’s happening with those around them. 

Here are just a few of the reasons I didn’t leave sooner: 

1. I was embarrassed

2. I wanted to protect my partner

3. I thought my partner would change

4. I didn’t think anyone would believe me

5. I didn’t want to feel like yet another relationship had failed

6. I minimized my abuse since I had experienced worse from a man

7. I thought each time would be the last time

8. I thought if I could just make them happy, they would be like they were in the beginning

9. I believed in their potential

10. I had empathy for their own mental health struggles and made excuses foe why they treated me how they did

I could go on. Remember that victims stay for many reasons. Whatever you do, please never ask someone why they didn’t leave sooner. Instead, ask how you can support them now.