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Survivors often face pressure from family, culture, and faith communities to stay in abusive relationships.

These messages can reinforce self-doubt and make it harder for survivors to leave.

Leaving abuse often means grieving relationships, identity, community, and the future once imagined

We often ask survivors of domestic violence, "Why didn't you leave?" But we rarely ask a more important question: Who told them to stay?

Rosa finally tried to leave after enduring years of psychological and physical abuse. When her husband turned his anger toward their younger daughter, she knew she couldn't stay another day. She packed a bag and drove to her mother's home in a neighboring state. But instead of finding safety, she was met with disappointment. When she arrived, her mother was not welcoming. "You can't just leave, you're married. What will people think?" Rosa felt the air leave her........

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