Isolation is a factor that affects battered women from all backgrounds. In order to maintain power and control over victims, they must be isolated from all sources from which they could potentially find assistance or support. This includes family, friends, service providers, clergy and others. For rural and remote battered women, isolation can be even more sever, and is imposed on her not only by the batterer, but also by the geographical area.

The victim may be alone with the abuser for several months over the winter if employment is seasonal. Battered women must often endure months of uncertainty wondering when an incident of abuse will occur. More isolated contact with the abuser often means more abuse.