Why do men and women fail to report their abuse?

Answer 1

initially they are in disbelief and figure this is a one time thing and so they slip into the denial phase,it will escalate when the abuser sees that they can get away with it and depending on the self esteem level and the age of the person being abused and how much and how long is invested in the relationship or marriage and the resources especially financially to make it on your own it becomes a viscous cycle,everybody wants to feel loved and unfortunately depending on how you were raised by your parents love to some people is being in conflict or abuse so reporting it would appear to be taking away their source of love.No matter how sad this sounds to some people the reality is whether its verbal,emotional,or physical abuse its like a drug addiction with help the cycle can be broken..but its so easy to return to it especially during lonely periods or loss of any kind,people in general tend to favor familiarity its comfortable even if dangerous.

Answer 2

For innumerable reasons. Women often fail to do so out of shame, being convinced by the abuser that it was their fault and they deserved it, having pre-existing self-esteem issues that make them feel like they caused the abuse, fear of their abuser, believing the abuser will change and things will improve... the list goes on.

Some of these same reasons apply to men as well, but another big reason is our society's view of men and abuse: the concept of abuse all too often is seen through the lense of physical strength, so many are unwilling to believe that a 5'2" 98 lb. woman could abuse a 6'2" 230 lb man. Men are often embarrassed at being abused by a woman, and are afraid of being seen as weak for not being able to stand up for themselves. Also, while many men are taught to never hit a woman, no one ever tells us what to do when a woman hits you.

My response, while framed towards heterosexual relationships, can equally apply to homosexual ones. In the end, all abuse (emotional, physical, etc.) is terrible and all too pervasive in our society, for both men and women.

Answer 3

fear of retaliation from the abuser.
The abuser is "sorry" and swears it "won't happen again"
The abuser tells them "You made me do it- it's your fault"

Answer 4

scared that no one will do anything to stop it or that they wont be believed

Answer 5

They are scared

Answer 6

- fear
- uncertainty
-children
-finances
-critism of family
-embarressment