How does Lenore Walker's concept of the battered woman syndrome explain why it is so hard for a battered woman to leave an abusive relationship?

Answer:

According to Lenore Walker, chronic abuse has psychological effects on victims, which she called the "battered woman syndrome." Walker postulates a "cycle of violence," that includes three stages: (1) a tension-building phase leading up to violence; (2) the battering incident itself; and (3) a stage of loving contrition, during which the batterer apologizes and attempts to make amends. Second, Walker asserts that the abused woman is prevented from leaving the relationship by learned helplessness. This implies that the battered woman expects to be beaten repeatedly but is immobilized and unable to leave the relationship.