Top 4 Reasons Women File for Divorce
In This Article
Traditionally touted as relentless nurturers in a marriage, it may come as a surprise to learn that women in heterosexual marital relationships, are the primary initiators of divorce.
We know that the overall divorce rate is on the rise with approximately 50% ending in dissolution.
According to a study of those divorces, about 80% are initiated by women.
Once restrained from taking the initiative due to financial dependence, or social stigma, women are now turning over a new leaf.
I guess the old adage holds true: When a woman’s fed up, there ain’t nothing you can do about it.
Gone are the days of women pining away for decades in an unhappy union, keep reading to find out the top reasons why women file for divorce.
Top 4 reasons women leave their marriages
1. Addiction or substance abuse issues
More openly talked about in recent years, substance abuse can spell the end of the road for a fed up wife in her marriage
Research suggests that up to 45% of couples separate due to substance abuse issues. Substance abuse can have severe consequences in a marriage, from financial, physical, emotional. It is one of the biggest reasons women file for divorce.
In the past, the wife may have suffered for years in silence, but in modern times, women will not hesitate to pull the plug to protect herself, and her children.
2. Physical or emotional abuse
Women typically enter into marriage with rose colored glasses, hoping for the best, and oftentimes they may ignore, or not see red flags.
Signs of abuse may not be evident during the courtship phase of the relationship, not becoming blatantly apparent until after the exchange of vows.
Whether it’s physical aggression towards the wife during bouts of anger and rage or emotional abuse by way of degradation and control, women file for divorce when they’ve had enough.
Also watch: 7 Most Common Reasons for Divorce
3. Infidelity
Once a woman feels betrayed sexually it can be an uphill climb trying to repair the damage.
One of the top reasons why women divorce their husbands, is infidelity.
Women have a louder internal recording than men, and when plagued with thoughts about the husband being with another woman on autoplay in her mind, it’s only a matter of time before she hits eject on the relationship!
4. Financial problems
Money tends to be the primary reason for divorce, but for women especially, financial insecurity can be the nail in the coffin for a marriage. To many, it may seem one of the surprising reasons women divorce.
But this is ostensibly true in a world where women are no longer financially dependent on men.
Despite modern ideals, women still look to marriage for security, financial and otherwise, and when it’s no longer a part of the picture, it can lead to her swift exit.
Share this article on
Want to have a happier, healthier marriage?
If you feel disconnected or frustrated about the state of your marriage but want to avoid separation and/or divorce, the marriage.com course meant for married couples is an excellent resource to help you overcome the most challenging aspects of being married.