Which factor may cause victims to remain with an abuser?

The belief that the abuse is deserved is a significant factor that may cause victims to remain with an abuser. This mindset can stem from various influences, such as low self-esteem, societal norms, or manipulation by the abuser. Victims may internalize the abuse, convincing themselves that their actions or attributes justify the mistreatment. This belief can create a cycle of dependency, where the victim feels unable to escape their situation due to a perceived lack of worth or fear that they deserve the suffering they are experiencing.

In contrast, other factors such as confidence in the abuser's good nature may lead a victim to stay hopeful for change but do not fundamentally explain why they remain in a harmful situation. Likewise, support from friends and family and independence from the abuser typically empower victims to leave or think of leaving, rather than keeping them in a cycle of abuse. Thus, the belief that the abuse is deserved directly contributes to the victim's rationale for staying with the abuser, making it a crucial aspect of understanding the dynamics of abusive relationships.