FACT-CHECK: Why Don’t Domestic Violence Victims Just Leave Their Abuser?

The question of why domestic violence (DV) victims don’t simply leave their abusive situations doesn’t consider the multifaceted nature of such decisions. Yet, this question continues to arise whenever victims share their experiences. Exploring this issue requires a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by DV victims, which go beyond concerns for physical safety.

While the overarching barriers faced by DV victims may resonate globally, specific cultural norms, economic structures, and legal frameworks contribute to the challenges faced by survivors in the Maldives.

Myth: Domestic violence victims in the Maldives can easily leave their abusive partners.

Facts:
Economic dependence, fear of retaliation, societal expectations, and emotional attachment are significant barriers that prevent survivors from leaving abusive partners.

Economic Dependence
In the Maldives, where traditional gender roles often prevail, economic dependence on the male partner is common among women. Limited employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, create financial dependence on spouses.

As such, the latest data shows that women’s labour force participation is significantly lower than men’s, with cultural norms often dictating women’s primary roles as caregivers and homemakers. Economic dependence can trap DV victims in abusive relationships, making it difficult for them to access resources for independence.

Fear of Retaliation
DV victims often fear retaliation from their abusers, which can manifest as threats of violence or harm to themselves or their loved ones. This fear is not unfounded, as studies have shown that leaving an abusive partner is a significant risk factor for increased violence or homicide. 

The fear of escalation of violence can deter victims from leaving, as they prioritize their safety and that of their children. Moreover, the close-knit nature of Maldivian island communities may amplify this fear, as victims may perceive limited options for seeking safety and confidentiality.

Cultural Expectations
The cultural norms and societal attitudes prevalent in the Maldives can significantly influence the choices made by victims of domestic violence (DV) to remain in abusive relationships.

For example, the country’s geographical constraints, with limited land availability and a lack of affordable housing options, restrict the choices available to individuals. Marriage often involves integrating into an existing household rather than establishing a new one. Consequently, the dissolution of a marriage does not necessarily result in a fractured home but affects the entire extended family. 

Moreover, traditional gender roles that prioritize male authority within households can perpetuate power imbalances and normalize control and coercion in intimate relationships.

The prevalence of high divorce and remarriage rates suggests that the primary concern may not be divorce itself but rather the decision to remain unmarried. The social pressure to maintain family unity may deter victims from seeking help or leaving their abusers.

Emotional Attachment
Emotional attachment to the abuser can complicate DV victims’ decisions to leave abusive relationships. One theory used to explain the emotional hold abusers have on victims is called ‘The Cycle of Violence“, which comprises three parts: the tension-building phase, the battering phase, and the honeymoon phase. 

Tension escalates due to common domestic issues such as finances, children, or employment, often accompanied by verbal abuse. Despite attempts by the victim to appease the abuser, concede, or avoid conflict, these efforts do not prevent the violence. When tension reaches its peak, physical violence ensues, typically triggered by external events or the abuser’s emotional state rather than the victim’s actions, rendering the start of the battering episode unpredictable and beyond the victim’s control.

Subsequently, the abuser experiences remorse, attempting to downplay the abuse and shift blame onto the partner, followed by displays of affection, generosity, and remorseful behaviour. This pattern of affectionate and contrite behaviour strengthens the bond between the partners, often convincing the victim again that leaving the relationship is unnecessary. This cyclic pattern, compounded by societal pressure to preserve marital ties and the lack of support for survivors coping with emotional trauma, may perpetuate a cycle of hope and disillusionment, explaining why victims remain in abusive relationships. Despite the severity of the abuse, the promises and kindness exhibited during the honeymoon phase foster a false belief in the victim that all will be well.

On top of that, the societal emphasis on preserving marital relationships and the lack of support for survivors navigating emotional trauma may contribute to a cycle of hope and disillusionment.

The Verdict: False

While leaving an abusive relationship may seem like a straightforward solution, the reality is far more complex. Research suggests that DV victims face numerous barriers that may prevent them from leaving abusive partners, including economic dependence, fear of retaliation, cultural and societal pressures, and emotional attachment. Simply advising victims to leave overlooks the systemic challenges they encounter.

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