Women’s Independent Press

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Business Exchange Networking Lunch
* Give a 1-2 minute commercial for your business.
* Bring business cards, brochures, and samples.
* Make new business contacts.

Sept. 3 - Wexford, Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North,
910 Sheraton Drive, Mars/Wexford, PA 16046
RSVP: email Carol Briney at
Carol@CarolBrineyWorkFromHome.com

Sept. 10- Mount Lebanon, The Devonshire of Mount Lebanon,
1050 McNeilly Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
RSVP: email Michelle Zmijanac at
Michellezmijanac@bestpracticesdelivered.com

Sept. 24- Fox Chapel, Comfort Inn (Old Holiday Inn) in RIDC Park,
Ohara Twp
RSVP: email Carol Briney at
Carol@CarolBrineyWorkFromHome.com

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $18 (Bring cash; No-shows will be billed for the lunch)
RSVP: By Monday prior to the event

For more info, go to: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JO7E9SJggeZhGz&b=GQXCPAfbJnLPkJowPVVOzw.

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The WSBA Network Lunch

A Networking Luncheon for Women Business Owners & Professionals
“Get Heard, Get Noticed, Get Leads”

A networking event open to any business woman who would like
to increase her business contacts/clientele. Our networking
format will be structured to provide participants with high
profile and networking. Bring 20-30 business cards/brochures,
cash for your lunch check, and be prepared to give a 60-second
commercial about yourself.

Sept. 5 - 1:00 p.m. - Allegheny Valley
Sept. 10- 11:30 a.m. -Shaler/Gibsonia
Sept. 12- 1:00 p.m. - Robinson/Airport
Sept. 16- 1:00 p.m. - East End
Sept. 17- 1:00 p.m. - South Hills

Sept. 19- 1:00 p.m. - Monroeville
Sept. 19 - 11:30 a.m. - Westmoreland
Sept. 23- 1:00 p.m. - North Hills
Sept. 24- 5:30 p.m. - After Work (Allegheny Wine Mixer(Butler St.)
Sept. 25 - 8:00 a.m. - Beaver County
Sept. 25- 1:00 p.m. - Washington

Host: Women’s Small Business Association
Fee: $2 meeting fee (plus the cost of lunch)
RSVP: Required (Note: Any “Yes” RSVPs who do not show
will be charged a $20 no-show fee.)

For more info and to register online,
go to: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JO7E9SJggeZhGz&b=V661ODYP2vuEXskcpJ9PAg.

If you have further questions, contact Eileen Conniff Marzullo
at 412-429-9919 or marzullope@verizon.net.

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Network after Work

Attend this event if you are interested in expanding your
professional network, creating new business opportunities or
learning about some great Pittsburgh companies. This is open
to all industries and career levels. Upon arrival you will
receive a name badge color-coded by industry which helps with
navigation of the event.

Admission Includes:
1. Access to 150+ Professionals
2. Color Coded Name Badge
3. First Cocktail before 7pm
4. Light Appetizers from 6-7pm

Date: September 10, 2014
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Place: Skybar (1601 E Carson St., Pittsburgh)
Host: Network After Work

To RSVP please visit:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JO7E9SJggeZhGz&b=u3qUKsRYMcnkhJ4DbtnH7w

Can’t make the date? Receive future event invitations by visiting:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JO7E9SJggeZhGz&b=xBbi1qcVFEvZoKiRia4qCQ

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How Energy Medicine Can Work For You
A Mastermind Group Program Led by Dee Gans, N.D.

Together on the phone, we can work miracles. Feel the glow;
feel the feeling of creating good vibrations to heal body, mind
and spirit. Everyone has an opportunity to share experiences,
insights and knowledge.

Why can MasterMind Groups work miracles? When “I” is replaced
by “WE” even illness becomes wellness.

Date: September 10, 2014
Time: 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Place: Via teleconference
Host: Staying Well Resources
Cost: $10
RSVP Date: Suggested by September 5th

For further info and to request call-in details,
send an email to: stayingwell@comcast.net.

BRENTWOOD BALDWIN WHITEHALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCHEON

September 12, 2014
Noon
South Hills Country Club

The monthly luncheon meeting of the Women’s Networking of the Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce will meet on Friday, September 12, noon, at South Hills Country Club. . Please plan on attending and bring a friend. We welcome members and non-members. Everyone will pass out cards and brochures and present a one-minute “commercial.”

Guest Speaker, Brenda DeCroo, Leadership Coach
Brenda DeCroo is an author, speaker and leadership coach. She works with people who want to be strong leaders and with managers who want to develop their teams. Her clients gain clarity, master their challenges and discover how to consistently contribute their greatest gifts. With this formula for success businesses create more profits, increase productivity, engage their workforce, and live their values.
Brenda earned her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and is certified by the International Coach Federation.

Lunch for Chamber Members - $20 - Bring a friend!
Lunch for Non-Members - $25
Display Table $10
Please make a reservation by contacting our secretary:
Mary Dilla - secretary@bbwchamber.com

Making the First Minutes Count - Every Time
Jim Gaffney of Peak Performance Management

Discover the key factors to building rapport. In this seminar,
you will learn: how to earn your toughest prospect’s respect
in the first minutes; how to communicate with your prospect
quickly; and a low-key way to seize the initiative and take
leadership of the buyer-seller-dance, all the while making
your prospect feel comfortable.

Space is limited, early registration is suggested.

Date: September 12, 2014
Time: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Place: Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh Settlers Ridge,
5100 Campbells Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Host: Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
Cost: Members- $20; Non-Members- $40
RSVP: Suggested by September 10th

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JO7E9SJggeZhGz&b=d_fpF5v2B7ZfPRx3kI0Vew

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Business for Breakfast Networking Event

Featuring: Dave Nelsen, President of Dialog Consulting Group
Using Social Media for Improved Team Collaboration

Network with fellow business professionals, enjoy a continental
breakfast and listen to an interesting and informative speaker.

Dave Nelsen has been inside the social media revolution since
founding TalkShoe.com in 2005. He will share how to use social
media to improve employee communications and collaboration.
Plus, you’ll hear about the latest developments on Facebook,
Google+ and LinkedIn.

Date: September 16, 2014
Time: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Place: The Camelot Banquet Hall, 260 Northgate Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15086
Host: Pittsburgh Business Times
Cost: $25 (includes continental breakfast)
RSVP: Suggested by September 12th

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JO7E9SJggeZhGz&b=30BM_4ylWyX.o6dp4E8A5g

For more info, contact Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or
komondor@bizjournals.com.

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Become a Brilliant Leader
A Workshop Supporting Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry
Presented by Beth Caldwell

Join us for this dynamic and inspirational leadership workshop.
Todays companies are struggling more than ever before with
workplace issues and leadership development.

If you want to have a productive and motivated workforce, if you
want to produce exceptional and innovative products, if you want
to out-perform your competition, then you need a team of excellent
people not only to get you to the top of your industry but to help
you stay there.

During this informative workshop, you’ll learn how to:

* Have a team that succeeds, not a staff that sabotages
* Create a positive work environment
* Communicate effectively and with purpose
* Become more decisive
* Be comfortable with criticism
* Appreciate your staff with simple benefits that cost
next to nothing
* Create a leadership legacy

You’ll come away with practical tips that you can implement
immediately AND when you attend this inspirational and
informative workshop, you’ll be supporting a local charity
that does meaningful work in our community. All funds raised
will support the Single Parent Information Network (SPIN)
ministry at Anchorpoint. This ministry empowers single
parents physically, mentally and spiritually with mentoring,
advocacy, education, and other practical resources. 100% of
the event’s proceeds will be donated to this important cause.

Bring your entire team!

Date: September 16, 2014
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Place: Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd,
Allison Park, PA 15101
Host: Pittsburgh Professional Women
Cost: $35 By August 31; $45 after August 31
RSVP: Early registration encouraged (Limited Space)

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JO7E9SJggeZhGz&b=S2EazPE3WIwBK3Qs1N3.Sw.

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A Fall Back to Business Basics
Speaker: Ruby Wilkosz, Business Consultant
How good financial planning makes for good business success.
Learn about the basic tools that reduce stress and improve
your bottom line.

Date: September 17, 2014
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Place: Volunteers of America, 1650 Main Street, Sharpsburg, PA
Host: Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
Cost: Free (Bring a brown bag lunch)

To register, call 412.782.5344 (x209) or email
volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

Disability Resource Breakfast
Thursday, September 18, 2014
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Speaker: Dr. Ara Schmitt, Program Director of the School Psychology Programs at Duquesne University
Topic: Join us to learn more about the manifestations of dyslexia in the workplace and specific ways in which employers can support employees with dyslexia and maintain a positive work environment.
Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

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Women’s Power Lunch

Come be a part of the longest running networking luncheon in the
Pittsburgh area. Bring 50 business cards or brochures to hand
out and be prepared to give a short presentation on your business
to introduce yourself to other business women and professionals.

Date: September 19, 2014
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: Andora’s Restaurant, Rt. 228, 300 Adams Shoppes,
Mars, PA 16046
Cost: $25.00 (Prepayment required)
RSVP: By September 17th

Questions: Contact Suzanne at Suzanne@womenspowerlunch.com
or 724-452-5152.

Register online at: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JO7E9SJggeZhGz&b=bl6azhinsbObCIqmLDiE.A

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Get More Speaking Engagements, Sell More Product
Presented by NSA National President Shep Hyken

In this fast paced presentation, Shep Hyken will share with you
the strategies he has used over the past 30 years to create and
sustain a successful speaking business. This is not theory. It
is all from personal experience. Shep will share what worked and
what didn’t. He encourages questions throughout the program and
no questions are off limits. Regardless of how long or short you
have been in this business, you will find strategies and
techniques that will be valuable to your bottom line.

All participants will receive an extensive handout/workbook and
dozens of ideas to build your business and develop and sell
information products.

Date: September 20, 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Location: Sheraton Station Square, 300 W Station Square Dr,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Host: National Speakers Association, Pittsburgh Chapter
Cost: NSA Members & Affiliates-$50; Nonmembers-$60
(Includes networking lunch)
RSVP: Suggested by September 17th

For more information and to register, go to:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JO7E9SJggeZhGz&b=PpV9fxZGDQgEjPobx.8_.Q.

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How to Enjoy an Authentic Life and Business

Presented by Noreen McGinnis Campbell, Licensed Avatar® Master,
Co-owner of McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores,

Date: September 23, 2014
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: Sigma’s Conference & Event Center,
1717 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Host: Pittsburgh Professional Women
Cost: $35 for PPW Members; $45 for Non Members
Includes luncheon
RSVP: Suggested by September 19

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JO7E9SJggeZhGz&b=D9D7Frsb4CxJRPC1kxKeZA

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Ways to Provide Maximum Value to Your Customers
Speakers: Becky Auer & Weston Lyon

At this month’s No BS Marketing Meeting, Becky Auer & Weston Lyon
will show you how to leverage your relationship with your customers,
clients, and/or patients to provide maximum value for them and
generate maximum profits for your business.

Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Time: 3:00 - 5:30PM
Place: Sigma’s Conference & Event Center,
1717 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Sponsor: No BS Marketing Meeting
Cost: FREE for First Time Guests; $20 for Returning Guests
RSVP Date: Monday, September 29

Registration Web Address:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JO7E9SJggeZhGz&b=HYtcoeVtHqLLI5oDtp4H3Q

Thursday Lunch & Learn ❘ 12:15 pm
Want to know more?
412.281.7141 ❘ www.carnegielibrary.org
facebook.com/clpdowntown
Bring your lunch and your thirst for knowledge!
Reducing Carbon Emissions in Pittsburgh:
What You Can Do
September 4 ❘ Presented by Lindsay Baxter,
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Learn how to implement simple changes in your life that have
the potential to generate dramatic reductions in our region’s
greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on our local
economy and human well-being.
Documentary Screening

September 11 ❘ DVD 95 minutes
This gripping documentary examines the controversies that arose
during the process of redesigning and rebuilding Ground Zero
in New York City in the decade following the September 11
terrorist attacks.

Ridesharing and Technology: How Pittsburgh
is Bridging the Transportation Gap
September 18 ❘ Presented by Dr. James Morris,
Carnegie Mellon University
Ridesharing blends technological and person-to-person solutions
to tackle gaps in a city’s transportation services. Pittsburgh’s own
transportation challenges opened the door for ridesharing
services like Lyft and Uber. Join us for a lively discussion on these
consumer-driven, and sometimes controversial, new services.

Documentary Screening
September 25 ❘ DVD 78 minutes
Award-winning journalist and filmmaker Jared Flesher documents
the lives of individuals engaged in sustainable lifestyles in the part
of New Jersey known as the Sourlands. This provocative tale of
ecology, energy and agriculture reminds us that to solve complicated
environmental problems we need to restore people’s connection
to the natural world. ■

By: Mary Grace Musuneggi
www.mfgplanners.com

Back in June 2008, I remember fielding calls from clients who were pretty sure they would spend their retirement years living under the Smithfield Street Bridge. As 2008 and early 2009 brought financial markets to their knees, we felt their pain. In lighthearted moments we would laughingly say maybe we needed to change the name on the door of the office from The Musuneggi Financial Group to The Musuneggi Dog Walking Gang. But the fact is it was more important for us to hold on to the belief that “this too shall pass”–and it did.
We are currently at the historic highs of the stock market…and we have bond rates that are at historic lows. Double Whammy! And although there is no crystal ball, and past history cannot predict future history, I do believe that history can lend some perspective.
In a recent article by Brenden Gebben, Portfolio Manager for Absolute Capital, he refers to the Ned Davis Research that says that during Bull Markets, on average, the stock market has historically sustained upward trends for 331 market days before a 10% correction occurs and upward for 1105 market days before 20% correction occurs. So from this view we are certainly due for a correction.
And what if we are? What are some things we need to do? What are some things we
need to remember?

1. Avoid trading too frequently.

2. Stop. Don’t panic. Trust your strategies. Trust your money managers’ strategies; after all, that’s what you’re paying for.

3. Don’t get out of the market at the worst times.

4. Be sure you are diversified. There are other market segments beyond just domestic stocks and government bonds. Be sure you understand them all.

5. Rebalance sometimes. Often. Frequently. Or whenever it is appropriate for your risk tolerance and for your objectives.

6. Don’t ignore tax ramifications. Return on investment is not the same as after-tax return on investment.

7. Consider taking profits. When markets go down the most common theme we hear from our clients is that they have “lost” what they had previously earned. If you transfer profits to cash along the way, you keep those earnings to either spend or to reinvest in the markets when they go down. Buying opportunities.

8. And remember, in 1921 the Dow Jones was at 60 and recently it was at 17000. Obviously it has gone up. But to get there it has gone up and down and up and down and up and down along the way. Time can certainly be more important than timing.
No matter what the markets are doing, your investment decisions need to be those that are right for you. At the right time. In the right allocation. To review your current strategy give us a call.

www.sba.gov

For those of you who have already successfully started a business and are ready to take the next step, you may be wondering what you can do to help your business grow. There are many ways to do this, 10 of which are outlined below. Choosing the proper one (or ones) for your business will depend on the type of business you own, your available resources, and how much money, time and resources you’re willing to invest all over again. If you’re ready to grow, take a look at these tips.

1. Open another location. This is often the first way business owners approach growth. If you feel confident that your current business location is under control, consider expanding by opening a new location.

2. Offer your business as a franchise or business opportunity. Franchising your business will allow for growth without requiring you to manage the new location. This will help to maximize the time you spend improving your business in other ways, too.

3. License your product. This can be an effective, low-cost growth medium, particularly if you have a service product or branded product. Licensing also minimizes your risk and is low cost in comparison to the price of starting your own company to produce and sell your brand or product. To find a licensing partner, start by researching companies that provide products or services similar to yours.

4 .Form an alliance. Aligning yourself with a similar type of business can be a powerful way to expand quickly.

5. Diversify. Diversifying is an excellent strategy for growth, because it allows you to have multiple streams of income that can often fill seasonal voids and, of course, increase sales and profit margins. Here are a few of the most common ways to diversify:
◦Sell complementary products or services
◦Teach adult education or other types of classes
◦Import or export yours or others’ products
◦Become a paid speaker or columnist

6. Target other markets. Your current market is serving you well. Are there others? Probably. Use your imagination to determine what other markets could use your product.

7. Win a government contract. One of the best ways to grow your business is to win business from the government. Work with your local SBA and Small Business Development Center to help you determine the types of contracts available to you.

8. Merge with or acquire another business. Two is always bigger than one. Investigate companies that are similar to yours, or that have offerings that are complementary to yours, and consider the benefits of combining forces or acquiring the company.

9. Expand globally. To do this, you’ll need a foreign distributor who can carry your product and resell it in their domestic markets. You can locate foreign distributors by
scouring your city or state for a foreign company with a U.S. representative.

10. Expand to the Internet. Very often, customers discover a business through an online search engine. Be sure that your business has an online presence in order to maximize your exposure.

By Dr Kathleen Hartford
www.drkathleenhartford.com
5237 Veterans Ln, Freeport, PA 16229 • (724) 295-2100

Everything that happens in your body or your environment creates a response from your nervous system. The foods you eat, the thoughts you think, the temperature in which you live, the speed at which you do life. Everything is a stimulation, which creates a response from your nervous system.

Your nervous system continuously functions to adapt the body; every cell, tissue and organ, to its environment. If you are in a hot environment the body will open its pours to perspire, releasing life-threatening heat. If you are in a cold environment the body will create goose bumps to maintain your internal heat and keep you warm. Stimulation and response activities are occurring every nano-second of every day in your body, and your nervous system is the great conductor of this beautiful symphony.

When the symphony is harmonious and we are exposed to a stressor our bodies will respond with an appropriate sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system response. Once that stress is resolved we will experience an appropriate parasympathetic (healing relaxation and repair) response. In other words we respond to the stressful situation with our sympathetic nervous system and then regain our balance through our parasympathetic nervous system.

The Fight or Flight response was created within the human body as a protective response to a perceived threat. Thousands of years ago when humans lived in the wild with recurring threats, this response saved lives. We would get the necessary energy and musculoskeletal response to fight the perceived threat or to run like the wind to get away from the perceived threat.

Now let’s think about that today. The nervous system is responding to stress created by the continuous stimulation of a 24-hour news cycle, a demanding job, a smart phone that keeps us connected to the outside world and our office 24/7 while managing our children as they move in multiple directions at
one time. In other words we never really switch off to allow the balancing, relaxation, healing and repair, response of the parasympathetic nervous system.

This Chronic stimulation/response can have devastating effects on our health and our emotional wellbeing. It taxes our hormonal system and depletes our adrenal gland, leading to exhaustion, a diminished immune system, digestive disturbances, increased cortisol, increased abdominal fat deposits and anxiety.

When the fight or flight response is activated many things happen:
◾Our heart rate increases
◾Our digestion slows down
◾Our blood is shunted to our extremities so that we can fight or run
◾Our adrenaline & cortisol levels spike contributing to cell wall resistance (metabolic syndrome) belly fat deposits and adrenal burnout/exhaustion.
◾Sleeplessness
◾Often times feeling wired yet tired

Structurally in our physical bodies we:
◾Clench our jaw
◾Twist our ribcage
◾Torque our pelvis
◾Experience shallow breathing
◾Experience tunnel Vision

A wide variety of emotions can be present and persistent under chronic stress:
◾Fear
◾Paralysis
◾Collapse
◾Anger
◾Resentment
◾Frustration
◾Lashing out at loved ones

Effects on your overall health can include:
◾Irritable bowel
◾Gastric Reflux
◾Anxiety
◾Headache
◾Spinal, back or neck pain
◾Grinding of teeth
◾TMJ
◾Melancholy/Loss of energy
◾Emotional Instability
◾Constipation and/or loose bowel
◾Hormonal imbalance
◾Belly Fat deposits seemingly for no reason
◾Hypoglycemia/blood sugar destabilization

If you are struggling with any of the above symptoms or simply from prolonged stress, join us for our ‘Is It Your Stress’ workshop where we will explore your symptoms, if they could be stress related and what can be done to provide relief.

We have wonderfully effective therapeutic approaches to normalize your stress response, from your neurological system, to your hormonal system. Adaptogenic stress support along with gentle body therapies can help you regain your health and vitality. In fact we can even stop the accelerated aging caused by this lifestyle!
Call 1-800-893-5000 to schedule an appointment or to reserve your seat for Is It Your Stress workshop Wednesday April 9th at 7 pm at our Health Pyramid office in Natrona Heights Rt. 28 exit 16.

Domestic Violence hotline:
1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Why does she stay?

The most common question asked about domestic violence victims is “Why does she stay?”
The question shows the misunderstanding of the dynamics of domestic violence. And it shows the tendency to blame the victim. Asking why she stays–puts the responsibility back on the victim, and is often followed with the statement, “She must like it.”
A more appropriate question would be, “Why is the abuser abusing?”

Women stay in abusive relationships for many reasons. They do not stay because they “want to be abused.”

A battered woman may believe:
• His violence is temporary.
• With loyalty and love, she can make him change.
• His promises that it will “never happen again”.
• It’s her responsibility to keep the family together.
• There will be more good times.

Fear is a major factor.
Many women believe their abusers’ threats. She believes he will kill her if she leaves him.

The percent of female murder victims killed by their intimate partners has remained at about 30 percent since 1976.
(Bureau of Justice Special Report: Intimate Partner Violence, May 2000)

She may fear:
• More severe abuse.
• Retaliation if he finds her.
• Destruction of her belongings or home.
• Harm to her job or reputation.
• Stalking.
• Charging her with a crime.
• Harming children, pets, family or friends.
• His committing suicide
• Court or police involvement.

At times, women may leave the relationship. She may return when he begs her to come back, or when she can not find the resources to live on her own. She may return because she loves him.
The average battered woman leaves 7 to 8 times before permanently leaving a relationship.
Other reasons women stay in relationships include:

Economics
• Few job skills.
• Limited education or work experience.
• Limited cash.
• No access to bank account.
• Fear of poverty.
Pressure from community of faith/family.
• Family expectation to stay in marriage “at any cost”.
• Family denial of the violence.
• Family blame her for the violence.
• Religion may disapprove of divorce.
• Religious leader may tell her to “stay and pray”.

Guilt/self doubt
• Guilt about failure of the relationship.
• Guilt about choosing an abuser.
• Feelings of personal incompetence.
• Concern about independence.
• Loneliness.

Concern for Children
• Abuser may charge her with ‘kidnapping’ or sue for custody.
• Abuser may abduct or abuse the children.
• Questions whether she can care for and support children on her own.
• Fears losing custody of her children.
• Believes children need a father.

Lack of community support
• Unaware of services available to battered women.
• Lack of adequate child care.
• Few jobs.
• Negative experiences with service providers.
• Lack of affordable housing.
• Isolated from community services.
• No support from family and friends.

Women in abusive relationships sometimes ask:
Will it get better? Studies show that over time, without intervention, abuse in the home gets more frequent and more violent.
Is it my fault? No. Abuse is always wrong and it is a crime. The victim is never to blame. There is no excuse for domestic violence.
Can I fix it? No. Only the abuser can stop his violent behavior. Qualified batterer intervention programs may provide knowledge and skills to stop his violent behavior, but only the abuser can decide whether he will use them or not.