The best thing you can do for a victim is to link them with a domestic violence agency, such as Hope’s Door. If you or a friend or family member needs help, you can contact:

Hope’s Door Hotline 

888-438-8700

Learn the dynamics of abuse and avoid victim-blaming statements.

Asking “why don’t they just leave?” implies that the abuse is the victim’s problem and that the victim needs to solve it. It puts the blame on their shoulders and not where it should be – on the abuser.

This question also assumes that leaving will end the violence. Victims need to be aware that the risk of serious or lethal violence increases when leaving the relationship.

The better question is “why don’t they stop?“