Antizionism is abuse

People who are being abused often don't stay because they "want" the abuse. Instead, they may have many reasons—some practical, some emotional, and some rooted in fear—that make leaving or reporting the abuser feel impossible.

Some common reasons people give include:

•⁠  ⁠*"It wasn't that bad."* They minimize what happened, especially if the abuse isn't constant or is emotional rather than physical.

•⁠  ⁠*"They'll change."* The abuser may apologize, promise to get help, or be loving after abusive incidents, creating hope that things will improve.

•⁠  ⁠*"I love them."* It's possible to love someone who is abusive, especially if the relationship wasn't always abusive.

•⁠  ⁠*"It's my fault."* Many abusers blame the victim, and over time the victim may come to believe they caused or deserved the abuse.

•⁠  ⁠*"No one will believe me."* This fear can be especially strong if the abuser is well-liked, respected, or has manipulated others.

•⁠  ⁠*"I'm afraid of what they'll do."* Fear of retaliation—violence, stalking, threats, taking children, harming pets, or ruining finances—is one of the biggest barriers.

•⁠  ⁠*"I have nowhere to go."* Financial dependence, lack of housing, immigration concerns, or having children can make leaving seem impossible.

•⁠  ⁠*"I don't want to break up the family."* Victims may stay for their children or because of pressure to keep the family together.

•⁠  ⁠*"They need me."* The victim may feel responsible for the abuser's mental health, addiction, or well-being.

•⁠  ⁠*"I don't want to get them in trouble."* They may worry about the abuser losing their job, going to jail, or damaging relationships.

•⁠  ⁠*"This is normal."* If someone grew up around abuse, they may not recognize how unhealthy the relationship is.

•⁠  ⁠*"I'm ashamed."* Victims often feel embarrassed or fear being judged for staying.

•⁠  ⁠*"It's too complicated."* Reporting or leaving can involve legal processes, custody issues, financial hardship, and emotional upheaval.

•⁠  ⁠*"Things are good most of the time."* Many abusive relationships involve periods of affection and calm, making the abuse feel like an exception rather than a pattern.

These reasons are often reinforced by psychological dynamics such as trauma bonding, coercive control, isolation, and chronic fear. From the outside, it may seem obvious that someone should leave or report the abuse, but from the inside, the risks can feel overwhelming and immediate.