‘Why didn’t she leave?’: The wrong question in domestic violence cases
Instead of asking why she stayed, families, communities and authorities must ask why survivors...
The question "Why didn't she leave?" is a flawed one in cases of domestic violence. People assume that escaping an abusive relationship is a simple choice, but it's a complex process with many obstacles. Leaving is not a one-time decision; it involves numerous smaller decisions made under difficult circumstances. A partner who has shown violence in the past indicates a continued threat, making the advice to "just leave" dangerous, as it could push a survivor towards the most dangerous point in the relationship.
Financial instability and lack of support further complicate the situation, particularly for women who have been managing households without earning income. Children's needs and the gradual process of isolation make leaving even more challenging. The question itself puts the entire responsibility of escape on the survivor, while others remain uninvolved.
A more constructive approach would be to examine why society allows survivors to manage these issues alone. The support systems, such as safe houses, financial assistance, and community awareness, are crucial but often overlooked. These resources require collective effort and not just individual action.
Written by urgent.news from Nation Africa's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
