Many people assume that leaving an abusive relationship is the end of the struggle, but for survivors like Lisa, it’s just the beginning of an uphill battle. The challenges don’t stop once they walk out the door—many face financial insecurity, legal setbacks, unstable housing, and the long road to rebuilding a life. Lisa and her children had to start over from scratch, sleeping on mattresses in a nearly empty home. Yet, even in those difficult conditions, they felt safer than they ever had before. This is the reality many fail to understand: escaping the abuser is just the first step—surviving what comes next is another fight entirely.
Lisa’s experience highlights the systemic failures that make leaving so difficult. The court system and restraining orders did little to ensure her long-term safety. Without adequate support, she was forced to endure more cycles of manipulation and violence. Even after finally leaving, she found herself in a shelter system that was not always safe or supportive. For many survivors, stepping away from an abusive relationship often means stepping into a world of uncertainty and struggle, making it all the more daunting to leave in the first place.
Financial control is another major barrier, and Lisa’s story illustrates this clearly. Even when her abuser was thousands of miles away in Afghanistan, he still dictated her life through financial manipulation, deciding what she could and couldn’t spend money on. Despite these obstacles, Lisa took the bold step of putting herself through nursing school, even when he tried to sabotage her education. Her determination to break free and build a stable future for herself and her children shows the incredible strength survivors must have just to reclaim their independence.
Lisa’s story is a direct response to the common question, “Why don’t you just leave?” Her experience makes it clear that leaving is far from simple. Survivors don’t just have to escape abuse—they have to rebuild their lives while navigating a system that often fails them. This reality is what so many people fail to understand: leaving an abusive relationship isn’t just about walking out the door—it’s about surviving what comes after.
Featured image: Lisa shares her story of escaping domestic abuse. Source: YouTube Screenshot / MJB Productions.
