Why Didn't She Just Leave?

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

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.