The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design and a case study to determine the severity of anxiety and of depression and to explore the reasons for staying in the abusive relationship respectively, among women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Total sampling was utilized with a total of 22 respondents. The study was conducted at Zamboanga City Medical Center - Women and Children Protection Unit (ZCMC-WCPU). A self-report rating inventory to quantify the level of anxiety and the level of depression through Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) respectively, were given to the respondents. Each inventory has 21 items with four-point scale ranging from 0-3 (no symptom to severe symptom). All of the 22 respondents manifested symptoms of anxiety. Of which, 36.4% had symptoms of severe anxiety and mild anxiety, while 27.3% had moderate level of anxiety. On the other hand, 73% of the respondents had depressive symptoms. Of which, 9% had extreme depression as well severe depression, 18% had moderate depression, 14% had borderline clinical depression, 23% had mild mood disturbance, and 27% were normal. On the other hand, one-on-one in-depth interviews were done together with the medical officer of WCPU using a semi-structured interview guide questions. The findings indicate that the main reasons for staying in the abusive relationship were: for their children, their dependence to their partners, hope, sympathy, love, religious norms, and pride and reputation.

Keyword: Anxiety and depression Reasons for staying in an abusive relationship Women survivors of domestic violence