Government of Canada. (2019). Abuse: Barriers experienced by victims of abuse. Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/service-delivery/abuse/barriers.html#escape
Why It's Difficult to Leave
“Why do people stay in abusive relationships?” is posed to survivors, implying that they are to blame for the abuse.
“How did the abuser prevent the other person from leaving?” or “Why do abusers choose to abuse their partners?” are more appropriate.
Barriers to Escaping an Abusive Relationship
belief that staying is best for the children or fear of losing custody of children
lack of employment skills
financial dependency on the abuser
inability to afford legal assistance with divorce, custody or protection order proceedings
fear of court system intervention
isolation from social or family connections
victim is attempting to change in hope that abuse will stop
abuser expresses remorse and promises to change
abuser has degraded the victim to the point that the victim believes statements and lacks the self-confidence necessary to leave
lack of trust in the criminal justice system
maintenance of family honour
fear of abandonment by the victim’s family or potential for violence from the family if the victim leaves
Barriers Specific to Recent Immigrants
may feel alone, have trouble talking with or relating to Canadians, or be overcome with fear
religious and cultural constraints
may not have knowledge of Canadian laws, rights or support services available
language barriers that make it difficult for immigrants to navigate the legal system and to access services
may have been threatened with deportation by their sponsor or threatened with withdrawal of sponsorship of family members
may be scared of police involvement due to past experiences with police in their home countries, especially where police are symbols of human rights violations
maintenance of family and community honour