WHY DO BATTERED WOMEN STAY - 3 DECADES OF RESEARCH

A review of the domestic violence research was conducted to assess the most salient factors that predict the likelihood of a woman remaining in or leaving an abusive relationship. The research is still in its e arly stage and no single theory can confidently predict this tendency on the part of battered women. Research that currently appears to prov ide the best explanations for remaining in an abusive relationship and factors that enable women to end their abuse are summarized. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.