Why do women return to abuse?

This is a tricky one. I am 34, I was in a relationship when I was 18 and moved to Port Hedland to live with him. He worked for Westrac and was often working away. I was away from friends and family from Perth. I became friends with his workmates and a couple of girls I met at the Peer. I was told by one of his workmates that he had cheated on me with his ex. Unfortunately to say I was still going to stay, but one of my new friends Jayne told me to come and live with her and her brother.

Just within a week of leaving I realised how he didn’t deserve me and he realised what he had lost. I’m strong but it took one friend to save me.

It doesn’t answer the question, it just makes me relate and understand the question. There is no answer. To be honest I think the person (male or female) being disrespected actually feels sorry for their partner, because they see without mental health issues, they can be the most fantastic person. Or maybe their own issues leave them there or nowhere else to be.

I guess I’m saying cut them a break. They aren’t staying for what seem like self harm so to speak. It’s just stupidly confusing, from all parties involved.