Why do many people experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) fail to report it?

• A. they have nowhere to go
• B. they rely on the perpetrator for financial support
• C. no one will help them
• D. they'll be out in the world all alone

Answer: (B)

Financial dependence and economic control are major barriers to reporting. When the abusive partner controls money, work, housing, and basic needs like food and childcare, the prospect of reporting can feel like threatening not just safety, but survival. Leaving or speaking up could mean losing income, shelter, transportation, and the means to care for children, so many people stay silent to protect their financial stability. Additional fears—retaliation, disbelief, or concerns for children—make reporting even harder, but the most consistent obstacle is the reliance on the perpetrator for financial support.