(MCT) — CHICAGO — Victims of domestic abuse must be emotionally, physically and financially prepared before they can successfully leave a volatile relationship, which is more difficult than it sounds, experts say.

“Fear plays a huge role in not getting out,” said Dawn Dalton, executive director of Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network. “There needs to be a shift in the way domestic violence is viewed so that when someone is a victim, there isn’t as much shame in standing up and saying, ‘I need help.’ ”