Why do some people/couples stay together?

I think sometimes in really toxic relationships, for people who honestly don't know what to do, it can be hard for some people to understand what their options actually are. They've been broken down for so long. And the bad cycle of bad interactions just keeps on repeating.

Some people believe they will never have a good life and whatever crap relationship they are in is as good as it gets. And they believe they should be grateful for it. because they've likely been broken down to believe that.

All they can feel is truly trapped, and like they have to spend every moment walking on eggshells or being shit on, no matter what they do. Sometimes people see no way out. In my experience it makes people either give up, or mean and bitter. or both.

These are people that honestly need help.
They are people who hurt others and don't understand what they are doing to others. They don't see abuse as abuse. They don't see it as hurtful. They see it as justifiable that they verbally abuse, or physically abuse or sexually abuse someone. On top of it, in most abusive relationships...the person who hurts you is also the person who comforts you. It's a manipulative form of comfort since it also involves gaslighting you into thinking it's your fault. But sometimes that little bit keeps it going.

As for why people like this stay together? Maybe he gets off on being controlling and bullying her and knowing she'll stay because he controls her. Maybe he honestly can't handle even the slightest upheaval in his life and is just an all around bastard, even though she is taking care of the issue, but he needs to feel in control of it. Maybe he does dislike her, but feels responsible to be there, but not enough to treat her well or have any positive or productive communication. Some people are honestly like that. Maybe she feels stuck. it can be really scary to leave and feel like you have absolutely nothing...because it feels like you're putting yourself in the position of having even less then the current crap you're stuck in. Rather than feeling like you're getting out and getting freedom. Because sometimes you don't know what that feels like because you've never experienced it in your life. or it's been so long.

Why do people like this stay together? Ultimately, because people don't educate others on their options and rights, because people don't realize that they can leave. that they can build a life for themselves and be free from shit like that. Because people aren't always taught to be strong for themselves. Or taught to regulate their emotions. Or to be kind and empathetic, or how to communicate. or how to deal with problems that come up in a constructive way. Because people don't watch out for other people and help them. Because people tear each other down, or don't do anything at all. Both men and women are rarely taught how to handle things like this. I think i read somewhere that 50 percent of people have no idea how to handle an actual toxic relationship because of their upbringing. Luckily some of those people figure it out on their own or someone helps them eventually, but some aren't so lucky.

I figure the best thing I can do is check in on people if I see a problem...and someday when I have kids, I'm going to teach them to be strong, and find joy in life and others, and reach out for help when they need it. Because sometimes life and people are full of shit. And that sometimes there is no right course of action. you just do the best you can, learn from mistakes, because you should be safe to make mistakes, and safe to try to fix it the best you can or move on, and you learn to live with it, by being true to yourself and learning and growing and finding ways to cope if needed, rather than passively or aggressively abusing yourself or others.