I don't know enough about religion and culture to give you a learned answer. But, I can safely comment on the economic angle.
Sadly, a lot of abused people are trapped in situations because of economics. Where does a person go, when they have no resources that they can call their own.
I'll give you a hypothetical situation. My Grandmother left England when she was 29. She was solely dependent on Grandpa and did not drive or work. All her family and friends were still across the pond.
Thank-goodness Grandpa was a good man and was not abusive.
