Author: Vera E. Mouradian, Ph.D.

The question of why women "stay" in relationships that involve intimate partner violence is a common one. The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the dynamics of abusive relationships and the emotional and practical obstacles that must be overcome in attaining safety from abuse by describing some of the ways a battered woman's experience may be similar to the reader's own as well as the unique challenges she faces in attaining safety from abuse. In light of the question to be addressed and its goal, the paper is intended as a comprehensive, but not exhaustive, discussion for the general reader. For those wishing a briefer introduction to the topic, it can be read in its entirety without reference to the endnotes. For those wishing to obtain more information through source citations and additional discussion of certain topics, endnotes are provided at the end of the body of the paper. A contact list of resources is provided at the end of the paper for those seeking information, advice, or assistance for themselves or others, or for those who want to find out more about getting involved in the effort to end intimate partner violence.

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