It seems most people have an instant negative reaction when they see people stay or return to an abusive relationship; even if they don't say it out loud. Isn't the answer to the problem simple? Can't the victim just pack up and leave the abuser. This was the same opinion I held regarding domestic violence until enrolling in this class and learning the presented material. The facts and statistics provided during class totally changed my perspective on this complex social issue. Victims of intimate partner violence are challenged with many social and criminal justice obstacles when trying to end an abusive relationship. .
One article I examined to support my claim focuses on four decision determinants including: financial independence, witness of parental abuse, the mental health of the victim and the amount of time it took police officers to arrive on the scene of the crime. According to the article, the first three factors mentioned are common with prior conducted research. In this article it was surprising to learn that a slower police response time did not alter a woman's decision in leaving her significant other, which is inconsistent with similar cases. Through further research I also concluded that members of sexual minority groups are confronted by added problems when trying to discontinue an abusive relationship.
One reason women may stay in a violent relationship is because they are financially dependent on their significant other. Many studies concerning domestic abuse speculate that financial stability is the most influential predictor as to whether someone remains in a dysfunctional relationship. "Women who rely on their abuser for financial stability typically will not leave the situation and if in fact they do leave they usually return because they aren't able to support themselves independently" (Ginny 2004). Living in a financially comfortable situation seems to be more important to them than their safety or wellbeing.