People who stay in violent relationships undergo gradual steps of reasoning to reconcile the violence in their minds. The reasons a victim stays may change as the violence in the relationship progresses.
Things to Say to a Victim Reluctant to Leave a Violent Situation (or who is returning to one):
- I am afraid for your safety
- I am afraid for the safety of your children
- It will only get worse
- I am here for you when you are ready to leave
- You deserve better than this