While everyone is different, there are a few reasons why you may still love an abusive partner.
Maybe the abusive behaviors you endure are evident, leaving physical marks that are hard to ignore. Perhaps they occur at a psychological level and tend to be subtle, which leaves you feeling unsure of whether they really count as abuse.
Other people may ask, “Why don’t you just leave?” But this option may not seem as straightforward to you. There are strong feelings and other factors involved.
In the meantime, you may have other concerns and could be pondering questions such as, What if they change? What if it’s your fault? What if this is what love is about?
It’s natural and not uncommon to feel this way.
Every year more than 10 million adults in the United States experience abuse by their intimate or romantic partner. It can happen to anyone, and it’s not your fault if it’s happening to you.
It is possible to love someone who hurt you, and it’s also possible to step away from this relationship despite these feelings.
What is intimate partner violence?
Intimate partner violenceTrusted Source may refer to any physical, sexual, and psychological violence between intimate partners.
This may include behaviors such as:
stalking
threatening
being physically and sexually violent
humiliating
using verbal violence
exerting financial control
performing other controlling behaviors
Maybe the abusive behaviors you endure are evident, leaving physical marks that are hard to ignore. Perhaps they occur at a psychological level and tend to be subtle, which leaves you feeling unsure of whether they really count as abuse.
Other people may ask, “Why don’t you just leave?” But this option may not seem as straightforward to you. There are strong feelings and other factors involved.
In the meantime, you may have other concerns and could be pondering questions such as, What if they change? What if it’s your fault? What if this is what love is about?
It’s natural and not uncommon to feel this way.
Every year more than 10 million adults in the United States experience abuse by their intimate or romantic partner. It can happen to anyone, and it’s not your fault if it’s happening to you.
It is possible to love someone who hurt you, and it’s also possible to step away from this relationship despite these feelings.
What is intimate partner violence?
Intimate partner violenceTrusted Source may refer to any physical, sexual, and psychological violence between intimate partners.
This may include behaviors such as:
stalking
threatening
being physically and sexually violent
humiliating
using verbal violence
exerting financial control
performing other controlling behaviors