There can be many reasons why people seem stuck in relationships of an abusive nature whereas a third person may wonder why the person can't get out. Sometimes people think of an abusive relationship as a form of intense love and possessiveness. People sometimes mistakenly take abuse as a form of love and a sign of jealousness from their partner. What is essential to understand is the fact that any change in the behavior of one partner, however of a light nature, is a red flag that the relationship is heading towards abuse.

Another reason why people can't get out is that they simply have no where to go. They feel safe at home and if it means that they have to suffer at the hands of their partner, they grudgingly accept the situation. Women usually are victims of this kind of insecurity and allow their spouses to treat them badly.

Sometimes the threat from one partner scares the other so much that they feel compelled to remain in the relationship. This kind of threat is usually accompanied by physical abuse and the other party is then frightened enough not to leave or contact any authorities for fear of further retaliation.

In some countries, the social fabric of the households are of such nature that women who are wed in another family have no choice but to accept any type of misconduct from the husbands family. They are usually disallowed from contacting anyone and suffer silently.