# Why Leaving Is Hard

> Domestic violence makes leaving dangerous for victims.
- Title: Why Leaving Is Hard · Valleynewslive | Shortify
- Summary: Domestic violence makes leaving dangerous for victims. Domestic violence victims face highest risk when trying to leave abusers.
- Keywords: domestic violence, leaving, saint martha's, st. louis, lcsw, jessica woolbright, news, local, Hard, Valleynewslive
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/23/why-is-it-so-hard-just-leave-hidden-realities-domestic-violence
- Published: 2026-09-23T13:50:20.928+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: domestic violence, leaving, saint martha's, st. louis, lcsw, jessica woolbright, news, local
## Jessica Woolbright
Jessica Woolbright, LCSW, leads Saint Martha's, a St. Louis organization supporting women and children impacted by domestic violence.
## Why Leaving Is Dangerous
Leaving is statistically the most dangerous time for domestic violence victims.
## Abusers Use Control
Abusers use isolation and children to exert control over victims.
## Safe Intervention
Friends, family, and communities can safely intervene and offer support.
## Podcast Details
Following Leads: The Podcast is a production of The Following Leads Podcast Network & Gray Media.
## Key takeaway

Domestic violence victims face highest risk when trying to leave abusers.