Answering the questions surrounding stay/leave decisions calls for a comprehensive, current overview and evaluation of methodologically rigorous research, including unpublished dissertations, qualitative studies, and opinions of advisory panels, However, the topic is sensitive, and some individuals may be unsympathetic or uncooperative. This reality, in addition to the newness of scientific inquiry in the area, has restricted the empirical knowledge available. The available research indicates that it is important to distinguish between severe physical violence, psychological abuse, and normative abuse. In addition, women’s decisions on leaving and staying are multidimensional, as are the reasons for intimate partner violence. The analysis concludes that the patriarchal and sexist structure of society, together with women’s economic dependency and the inadequate practices of the criminal justice system are the primary obstacles that battered women must overcome to leave their abusive partners. Findings suggest the need for international organizations, individual countries, criminal justice agencies and personnel, researchers, and advocates to promote policies, procedures, and programs to address these problems. Note and approximately 350 references