Many of us find ourselves asking why some women find it difficult to leave abusive relationships. However, it is important to note that it is not always easy to end such relationships, especially if the victims feel they have nowhere to seek refuge.

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There are several important things that you need to learn from domestic violence survivors. Here are some of the things that women who survived abusive relationships wish you knew.

1. There’s a lot you can’t see from the outside

In most scenarios, people outside your relationship won't understand why you would live with an abusive partner. However, it is important to understand that there are different factors that contribute to one choosing to remain in an abusive relationship. An individual's childhood or upbringing, emotional strength and past experience with abuse are some of the reasons that may influence one's decision to stay in an abusive relationship.

2. Leaving is not as easy as you think it is

When a good number of women are asked whether they can keep staying in an abusive marriage, most of them will state how they can’t hesitate to leave such relationships. However, women who have survived domestic violence wish you knew how hard it is to leave such relationships. From the threats that you receive from the abusive partner to choosing to stay for the sake of the kids, it takes some time for one to fully leave such relationships.

3. Recovery can be a long and painful road

Even after leaving an abusive relationship, it is not easy for one to recover from the pain that they went through. Therefore, one should be prepared for a long journey when it comes to personal rebuilding because in most cases the abuse usually affects one's self-esteem and drains them emotionally. It is important to surround yourself with a strong support system during this time.