Completing treatment can be one of the most rewarding milestones an individual may experience. It takes intense bravery, strong dedication, and perseverance to work towards recovery. Once mental health or addiction treatment has been completed, many women may fear returning home to an abusive partner. Rekindling toxic relationships can derail one’s recovery progress, often leading to an unwanted relapse.
It is important for an individual to leave an abusive relationship. Doing so may allow one to effectively move forward with mental stability and gain a better quality of life. Although following self-help strategies can be beneficial, moving forward with Renaissance Ranch’s women’s sober living home can help. Our aftercare program and other forms of treatment can provide a healthy environment and promote a safer transition into recovery.
Domestic Violence Statistics
According to StatPearls, domestic violence is a prevalent issue in the U.S. Toxic relationships may consist of sexual, physical, economic, emotional, or psychological harm that can negatively influence a partner’s well-being. Abusive threats and actions can often lead to a very poor outcome.
Studies have estimated that approximately 10 million individuals are affected by family violence or abusive relationships per year. A recent study also highlighted that about one in four females and one in nine males were victims of intimate partner abuse in 2023. Domestic violence has been shown to worsen an individual’s physical and psychological health. Toxic relationships can significantly decrease one’s level of productivity and overall quality of life.
Why Women Fear Leaving Toxic Relationships
According to the Houston Police Department (HPD), many individuals often wonder, “If a woman is getting treated so badly why doesn’t she just leave the toxic relationship?” Asking that question is essentially blaming the victim. The best next step is to address the situation and help stop the violence from occurring.
Several complex factors play a role in why a woman avoids leaving a toxic relationship. When an abused woman faces persistent threats of death or retribution, she builds up a tolerance for the abuse instead of risking the lives of her loved ones or her own life. Common reasons a woman chooses to stay regardless of how severe the intimate partner abuse may be because:
- She may feel intense shame or guilt for leaving due to her religious beliefs
- The abuser may threaten to kill himself, their kids, family members, or her if she leaves
- She may fear she cannot financially support her children if she leaves
- Due to the emotional and psychological abuse, the woman may lack confidence in herself to live independently
- She may fear she will not be as happy with another partner as she was when life was good with her partner
- Societal pressure to keep her family together can feel daunting
- She may have a lack of family support to care for her children while she is away at work
- Her thoughts on surviving may feel overwhelming making her feel as if she is a prisoner of war at the level of mere existence
- She believes she is the blame for her partner’s actions
- 50% of victims lack marketable skills thus they may endure beatings for financial benefits for their children
- She may also lack shelter or reliable transportation to survive
The Importance of Leaving a Toxic Relationship
Every individual is only granted one life. Toxic relationships can leave women feeling incredibly insecure and helpless. Depending on the severity of the abuse, one may even be left feeling intensely traumatized. If an individual does not leave their abusive partner, they may put themselves at risk for several problems.
For example, a woman may suffer mental health complications such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The onset of this condition typically occurs if one cannot manage the effects of past trauma. PTSD can also surface within the cycle of abuse. Say a partner goes months without harming their loved one. During the safe time frame, a woman may gather her feelings and have extreme difficulty processing her emotions, leading to night terrors and flashbacks.
When the abuse begins to ramp up again she may fall into a deep depression and may even experience thoughts of suicidal ideation. Poor mental health can deprive a woman of the many opportunities and benefits life has to offer. It is common for women who are in an abusive relationship to withdraw from family and friends and be completely submissive to their partner. The controlling behaviors persist, leading to a vicious repetitive yet toxic cycle. If their abusive partner does not seek help to discontinue the behavior and the woman chooses to stay in a toxic relationship, she may be at an increased risk of enduring further serious bodily injuries or even death.
Moving Forward From Toxic Relationships With Renaissance Ranch
Many women may fear leaving a toxic relationship, but they may take comfort in knowing they can find support through Renaissance Ranch. Our treatment facility provides women with various forms of aftercare services. Different programs at Renaissance Ranch can help women build new healthy connections for ongoing support.
Many women have received new opportunities, guidance, and peace through attending community events, alumni programs, or outpatient group therapy services. The women’s sober living program is a perfect option for those who fear returning home to a toxic relationship. For those who have a busy lifestyle or prefer managing their condition without peer support, Renaissance Ranch also offers an online intensive outpatient program for ongoing healing.
Admitting that you need help is a big step. Starting treatment is another. It requires courage to surrender to professional care for the effects of lasting trauma. At Renaissance Ranch, our comprehensive approach empowers women beyond immediate healing. Alongside our residential, outpatient, and safe sober living home services, we prioritize specialized treatment for mental health and addiction. We understand the significance of addressing women’s mental well-being throughout their recovery journey. With empathy and understanding, we recognize the potential for transformation for both women and their families. Call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 to gain aftercare support and effectively move forward from toxic relationships to receive the life that you deserve!