Just to remind all posters to have some sensitivity whilst speaking about such a delicate topic. If any bickering or insults are thrown I will just close this thread, plain and simple.
Answering the OP. It's not just as simple as leaving their abusive partner. Many women (and don't forget men are also in abusive relationships) who are in an abusive relationship tend to have a past history of abuse, whether it was physical, mental, emotional or sexual. To them, this is their norm, this is what they think they deserve and this is what they expect. They have low self-esteem. They feel they deserve it, this is what they expect from their life. This is what they are used to. There is also the fear factor, they may have tried to leave before, but their abusive partner said they'd change then as soon as they go back home, the abuse gets worse. Threats are made, many abusers threaten to destroy their lives and their family's lives if they leave. Sometimes they would rather just put up with the abuse than anyone else getting hurt or involved. Some have hope things will change, some love and only see the good side of their abusive partner.