Don’t Tell Me How Easy It Is to Leave an Abusive Relationship

People who have never experienced abuse often say, “If it’s that bad, why don’t you just leave?” They don’t understand that escaping an abusive relationship isn’t as simple as packing a bag and walking away.

Abusers use fear, guilt, isolation, and manipulation to keep their victims trapped. They chip away at your confidence until you question your own reality. You start to believe you’re the problem or that you deserve the mistreatment.

Leaving can also mean risking financial hardship, losing your home, or facing retaliation. Many survivors fear that their abuser will escalate if they try to leave. Others have children or no support system, making the idea of starting over feel overwhelming.

So please, don’t judge survivors or dismiss their experience because you’ve never lived it yourself. Instead, offer compassion and understanding. Respect their choices, even if you don’t fully grasp the reasons behind them.

Leaving abuse requires incredible strength, planning, and support. It is never as easy as it looks from the outside.