At The Retreat, we are big believers in the saying, “There is no such thing as a dumb question.” 

When it comes to domestic abuse, a complex and personal topic, there is often a lot of confusion. But, the more we know, the better we can help those in need and ultimately break the cycle of family violence.

Read on to see some common questions and answers about this issue:

1. WHY DON’T THEY JUST LEAVE?
There are many reasons why someone might stay in an abusive relationship:

Fear of their partner’s actions | Concern over their ability to live independently | Abuse was normal in their household and they don’t recognize that the behavior is abusive | Shame that they are in an abusive relationship, feeling like they did something wrong rather than their abuser | Lack of resources, they may be financially dependent on their abuser after not being allowed to work or have access to bank accounts | Guilt over taking children away from a parent. 

2. ARE ALL VICTIMS WOMEN AND ALL PERPETRATORS MEN?

No. One in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. 

3. DOES IT COUNT AS ABUSE IF IT DOESN’T INCLUDE PHYSICAL ABUSE?

Domestic abuse is not just physical. It can be emotional, sexual, technological, financial and spiritual. 

4. IS ABUSE ONLY COMMON IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS?

No. Abuse can happen between relatives, such as parents and children or siblings, as well as in friendships and the workplace.

5. DOES ABUSE DISCRIMINATE?

No. Abuse can affect individuals of every age, gender, sexual orientation, income level, education level, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic background.