I used to think that people stuck in abusive relationships were weak, vulnerable victims. But as time goes by and a person chooses to stay, to stay in a situation that requires so much energy to manage day in, day out, tottering in the delicate balance of every moment in which there is a potentially explosive outcome... one has to ask if such a person really is so weak and helpless afterall. Afterall, it takes strength to endure such an unyielding, oppressive existence.

This is not meant to oversimplify the issue of abuse, or to say that such a person is no longer a victim. But perhaps that they need to find a way to turn around the strength that they have within.