I believe, once again, it was their pride, their shame. In fact, I speak regularly about something my father said that I hope no father ever says to his child. After my abuser came out of his three days in jail after his arrest, my father said to me, “Baby girl, please go back. Stay with him. I'll come and get you one day.” I said, “When, Dad?” He said, “I'll come for your body.”
To him, that was more honourable than having a daughter who was a free woman, one whom he may consider or the community may consider a loose woman.