Why people stay in abusive relationships

People that are in abusive relationships often find it hard to leave their husbands or boyfriends because of various reasons, this according to the Meadowlands police.

Domestic violence happens in different forms of abuse; sexual, physical, verbal and psychological.

Intimidation, harassment, damage to property and stalking is also classified as domestic violence.

In Meadowlands, domestic violence cases are common, said Police spokesperson, Sibusiso Chauke.

He said coften such cases are reported and dropped by victims.

Chauke said victims stay for these reasons:

· Not enough money or resources to live on their own

· No education or skills to do things themselves

· Emotional ties to abuser

· Thinking the police and courts will not help

· Being threatened by abuser

· Fear of being harmed or killed if they report the abuse.

He said abusive relationships are dangerous and police have witnessed cases that have ended in serious injuries and deaths.

“Abusers will often ask for forgiveness and promise not to do it again but in most cases, the abuse reoccurs and never stops”.

He said the cycle of abuse goes on and on. It starts with the tension building up where an incident occurs, then there is the making up where abuser apologises, then there is a state of calmness when the abuser buys gifts and acts as if nothing ever happened and it starts all over again, it does not change.

“You do not have to stay in an abusive relationship.

“Report to the police and get the help you need,” Chauke said.