Battered Woman Remains in Relationship With Her Batterer

Extreme example of battered young woman who cannot free herself from abusive boyfriend. What I cannot understand is why these women, even if they get the strength to leave their abusive husband or boyfriend frequently return to them for more abuse.  

[From show]
Ed and Katrina say their 18-year-old pregnant daughter, Kirsten, is dating a 30-year-old ex-con who admittedly is controlling and abusive, and they fear for the safety of their daughter and her unborn baby. They say Kirsten was once an honor roll student with a promising future until she started seeing John — against their wishes — and stopped pursuing her dreams. Now, they claim Kirsten is in a rollercoaster relationship with a man who becomes enraged, throws her out on the street at the slightest provocation and leaves bruises on her body. What can these concerned parents do to protect their daughter and unborn grandchild?

http://www.drphil.com/shows/show/2280

“My Honor Roll Teen is Pregnant by Her 30-Year-Old Bad Boy”
October 9, 2014