Returning To The Abuser: The Cycle Of Violence Continues

Abstract

The present study examines self-reported perceptions regarding the reasons why women in Tarrant County returned to their abuser. A survey was implemented in a North Texas domestic violence shelter in which clients answered a series of questions pertaining to why they left their abuser in the past based on ten recidivism variables previous research found influential. Three statistical analyses were performed to determine if dependency on or for their abuser resulted in the subjects returning to their abusive relationship. Contrary to the hypothesized prediction battered women were found to return to an abuser for reasons other than dependency. However, it was found that that there was a positive and significant statistical relationship between women who have returned to an abusive relationship three or more times and those women who lacked adequate alternatives and were in what might be considered dire financial need.