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HAWC

Helping abused women, children, men, and nonbinary people live free from violence and fear

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  • Donate Now
  • Home
  • Domestic Violence
    • Is This Relationship Abusive?
    • Types of relationships
    • Myths about domestic violence
    • Why Leaving is Hard
    • Safety Tips
    • Help Someone You Know
    • Additional Resources
  • Services
    • 24-Hour Hotline
    • Advocacy & Education
    • Legal Advocacy
    • Hospital Advocacy
    • Children’s Services
    • Emergency Family Shelter
  • About HAWC
    • Annual Corporate Partnerships
    • Our Mission
    • Leadership Team and Board of Directors
    • Our Funders
    • Celebrating 40 Years
    • Careers
  • Give Help Now
    • Wish List
    • Volunteer
    • Create Change
    • Help Someone You Know
    • Workplace Giving
    • Leave a Legacy
    • Walk for HAWC
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
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Why Leaving is Hard

If you’re not experiencing abuse, it can be hard to understand why it is so difficult to leave an abusive relationship.

You are here: Home / Get Help Now / About Domestic Violence / Why Leaving is Hard

Because domestic violence affects every aspect of a person’s life, deciding to end a relationship and escape abuse can be more difficult than one would think. In any abusive relationship, anxiety and exhaustion deplete a victim’s energ to resist, and victims often begin to believe that they deserve the poor treatment they receive from loved ones.

Aside from fearing repercussions that could put their health and safety at risk, victims may struggle to leave their partners because of the following factors.


Outside forces also play a role in a victim’s inability to escape abuse. Instead of being seen as a public health issue, domestic violence is often considered a private affair within couples. Society tells victims that they must focus on saving the relationships rather than escaping the violence. For this reason, HAWC has partnered with local courthouses, hospitals, police departments, and religious organizations to ensure that victims of abuse receive extensive support.

Leaving an abusive relationship means gradually recognizing that you are in control of your life, no matter what. The first step in this process is acknowledging a need for help.

Whether you want to discuss this issue and make a plan, or you seek an immediate emergency shelter, HAWC is ready to help. Call our hotline at 1-800-547-1649 today.

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HAWC Locations

HAWC serves 23 cities on Massachusetts’ North Shore from the five central locations listed below.

  • Salem, MA 978-744-8552
  • Gloucester, MA 978-283-8642
  • Lynn, MA 781-592-9900
  • North Shore Medical Center 978-354-4383
  • For 24-hour support, call our hotline at: 1-800-547-1649
  • Para apoyo llama nuestra linea de 24 horas a 1-800-547-1649.

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