What can increase the risk of a victim returning to an abusive relationship?

Isolation from support systems can significantly increase the risk of a victim returning to an abusive relationship due to the removal of protective factors that often help individuals maintain their independence and empowerment. When a victim is isolated, they lose critical emotional and practical support typically provided by friends, family, or community resources. This lack of support can lead to feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and despair, making it more challenging for the individual to seek help or alternative options.

Furthermore, abusers often manipulate the victim's relationships with others to maintain control, making them feel as though they are alone in their situation. In this isolation, a victim may become more reliant on the abuser and less likely to recognize the harmful dynamics at play, which can increase the likelihood of returning to the relationship after separation.

On the other hand, factors such as support from friends, improved self-esteem, and access to legal resources generally serve to empower victims, providing them with the confidence and tools necessary to leave abusive relationships and sustain their independence.