Myth #1: They Just Don't Leave

Myth: Victims of domestic violence never leave their abusers, or if they do, they just get involved in other abusive relationships.

Fact: Most victims of domestic violence leave their abusers, often several times before they succeed. It may take a number of attempts to permanently separate because abusers use violence, financial control, or threats about the children, to compel victims to return. Additionally, a lack of support from friends, family members, or professionals, such as court personnel, law enforcement officers, counselors, or clergy members, may cause victims to return. Since the risk of further violence often increases after victims separate from their abusers, it can be even harder for victims to leave if they cannot obtain effective legal relief. While some victims may become involved with other partners who later begin to abuse them, there is no evidence that the majority of victims have this experience.

http://www.padv.org/documents/Myths.pdf

There is no prototype when it comes to "who" may fall victim to domestic violence. Believing myths such as this makes domestic violence a "their" issue...when it is actually "our" issue. It is time we "believe" in the reality, develop a sense of empathy, and fight this viscously.

~Robbie