It’s definitely true that stepping away from a toxic relationship can be quite challenging. There are so many layers of complexity that we often don’t see, and it’s important to approach these situations with understanding rather than judgment. Some people are facing deep-seated traumas that make it really challenging to move on. Another thing to think about is co-dependency. Co-dependency is a pattern where someone tends to put their partner's needs and feelings first, sometimes at the expense of their own happiness. It sets up a situation where someone might feel like they need to “fix” or stay with a toxic partner, even if it’s not good for them. For some, such as the woman in your example, financial dependence and a lack of a support system can make leaving feel like an impossible task. For some, emotional connections or the unknown of what lies ahead can feel overwhelming. Building support networks and educating people about toxic relationships is such an important step in tackling this issue. People can truly start to envision a way out when they feel seen, supported, and empowered. Thanks for bringing attention to this topic and encouraging us to look for the root cause before jumping to conclusions.