Abuse is a mindfuck – it's often much easier to justify or excuse a partner's behavior than to acknowledge that they are being abusive. The distortions grow while the abuser drives a wedge between their partner and the rest of the world. They seek stability, since instability means violence. By the time the abuse is too extreme to ignore, leaving would mean completely upending their life; the practical and psychological barriers feel impossible to overcome.

You did everything right. You did more than many would have. Don't beat yourself up because she went back – you gave her care and compassion and access to resources that she'll likely need someday. Acts like that make the world a better place, even if they seem ineffective in the moment. Thank you.