Why is it hard to leave abusive relationships?

[superstarheartbreaker]

I will never understand why I didn't leave my thoroughly abusive ex. Thoughts please.

I have started to see a counsellor to help me understand why I stayed in an abusive relationship for 15+ years.

So far I have come to the following conclusions - I pursued him so didn't want to loose face, accepted his abusive behaviour was the norm, had so little self confidence that I believed (and still do) no-one else would want me, didn't want to break up my family and thought no-one would believe me because he is such a well liked person in the community.

I'm making real progress and not having that feeling of dread of what mood he would be in after work or a football match is wonderful. Not treading on eggshells, not being scared of him having that one too many drinks and trying to have sex with me. I just wish I'd ended it sooner, I lived a lie for so long.