“Why Did She Stay?”: Breaking the Cycle of Violence and the Myths We Still Believe

In this episode of RAGE, hosts Jess and Emma are joined by Hanna, a Crisis Counsellor with Lanark County Interval House and Community Support, to unpack what it really means to break the cycle of violence.Together, they explore how intimate partner violence is rarely a single incident — it’s a pattern shaped by power, control, fear, love, survival, and systemic barriers. The conversation takes on one of the most common — and harmful — questions survivors face: “Why did she stay?”Hanna helps break down why this question misses the point, places responsibility on survivors instead of perpetrators, and ignores the very real risks and constraints people face when trying to leave. From emotional manipulation and financial dependence to safety concerns and community pressures, this episode challenges the myths that continue to shape public understanding of abuse.This is a necessary conversation about accountability, compassion, and what breaking the cycle of violence actually requires — from individuals, communities, and systems.