Why Didn’t She Just Leave?

By: WeNews Staff | September 2, 2015

A common question domestic violence victims hear is, “Why didn’t you just leave?” The answer can be complex.

Credit: European Parliament on Flickr, under Creative Commons

In the United Kingdom, those advocating for victims of domestic violence are worried that recent cuts to government services and stricter eligibility rules for benefits are making it even harder for domestic abuse victims to overcome obstacles to leaving.

Jess McCabe, a freelance correspondent for Women’s eNews, wanted to understand the impact of these government policies. In 2014 she interviewed domestic violence survivors across England.

In this series she shares their stories, unmasking financial difficulties faced by domestic violence survivors and how these difficulties might keep them from leaving abusive relationships. McCabe also explores other obstacles that stopped these women from leaving the moment the abuse started and what made them realize the time had come to walk away. During this time she also updated a Tumblr on her findings.

In These Cases of Abuse, Her Money Was No Defense

By: Jess McCabe | March 3, 2015

When women are in a better financial position than their abusers it often helps them end the relationship. But it’s no guarantee. Here two women in atypical financial situations tell their stories.

U.K. Cutbacks Shrink Routes for Escaping Violence

By: Jess McCabe | February 10, 2015

Providers of domestic-safety services are falling short of funding and a reform to the benefits system may place even more control over financial matters in the hands of an abusive partner.

No One Was There to Help, Despite Flagrant Abuse

By: Jess McCabe | February 9, 2015

There is a certain bitterness against her parents, looking back. “When I was lying there in a pool of blood and covered in scratches. I do feel a bit like they let me down.” The third of three brief interviews with survivors about why they didn’t leave after the first incident of abuse.

Abuse Started at 14; He Was 34 and All She Knew

By: Jess McCabe | February 5, 2015

Fifteen years and three children later, Sarah asked for a separation from her abusive husband. The second of three brief interviews with survivors about why they didn’t leave right away, at the first incident of abuse.

Why Doesn’t She Leave? Here’s What They Say

By: Jess McCabe | February 3, 2015

A woman holds a white ribbon as a symbol of violence against women.

It took her nine years to finally leave. Confusion was a big part of the delay since this, after all, wasn’t an obviously aggressive bully. This was a man who seemed at first to worship her. The first of three brief interviews with survivors.