Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Ana Christina Minerly
Second Advisor
Dr. Sandeep Prasada
Academic Program Adviser
Sandeep Prasada
Abstract
Relationships involving intimate partner violence (IPV) can often entail physical or verbal abuse from one individual to another in a romantic relationship. In a heterosexual relationship, the abuse most often occurs from the man to the woman. From an outside perspective, when considering the victims of abuse, one might ask simply, “Why don’t they leave?” However, the answer to this question, much like the abuse experienced in these dynamics, is nuanced. The present study is a literature review of studies meant to answer this very question. Abuse can often be some combination of physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, or financial. We have chosen to examine five major reasons why women frequently struggle to leave relationships where they experience IPV: financial consequences, child involvement, lack of resources, mental health status, and personal beliefs. Additionally, factors such as age, education, race, health, immigration status, and marital status can affect any one of the categories. Understanding the intersectionality between these categories can allow for a better understanding of how to provide effective aid to survivors of IPV.
Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Recommended Citation
Beltre, Jaelene, "Why Don’t They Leave? : An Exploration of Barriers that Prevent Women from Leaving Relationships Where They Experience Intimate Partner Violence" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/hc_sas_etds/1483
