I have recently “finally” left an abusive marriage after covering up and hiding it from family and friends for 3 years. Many bruises later and I received my final hit before leaving.
Was it easy – no – being raised in a traditional’strict’ Christian upbringing- in church divorce was spoken of as almost the unforgivable sin and remarriage well you were either not saved or losing your salvation. That stance has changed somewhat (I am no longer in that church) but the judgement that comes from that is huge.
Sadly this was my second marriage so part of why I took so long to leave is the shame of two failures!