Why it’s so hard to just leave

Sensitivity Warning: This article contains some details of a domestic violence incident. For the last few days, a video released by CNN has been in heavy circulation on the news and online. The video shows Sean “Diddy” Combs, a hip hop artist and business mogul, assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, an artist who was signed to his record label. Last November, Ventura filed a civil suit against Combs claiming years of abuse. For Combs, who had at first claimed innocence, the video was undeniable evidence supporting Ventura’s claim. The suit was quickly settled, leaving many to suggest that she was only interested in money. Others thought she was lying. For those who believed her, some still wondered how she could have put up with being abused for so long or why she didn’t just leave. In the now infamous video, Ventura was seen rushing barefoot down a hotel hallway with a small bag. She hurriedly pushed the button for the elevator before Combs was seen running down the hall after her. She was leaving the best way she knew how. Despite her best efforts, she was literally dragged back into a clearly volatile situation. It was heartbreaking to hear people...