Most research concerning risk factors has indicated that lack of education is a risk factor for domestic violence. Lack of education is generally defined as having earned less than a high school diploma, although some studies include those with less than a college degree in their definition. It has been noted that women with less education experience domestic violence at higher rates than women who have achieved a higher level of education. This does not mean that people with higher levels of education cannot be victims of domestic violence; it simply means that the risk of being a victim of domestic violence is greater for those with less than a high school or college education.

Lack of education leads to a lack of employment. If abuse already exists in a relationship, the lack of education and strained income of the victim provides the abuser with an upper hand in feeding upon the victim’s vulnerability. Many victims of domestic violence stay in their situations due to feelings of necessity. The victim has often been isolated from friends and family by the abuser, and this unequal financial arrangement further fuels her sense of dependency and reluctance to leave. The victim may be unable to seek employment which makes leaving the relationship financially feasible, or unable to seek any employment at all.

Education provides one with opportunities to learn new things. Knowledge is not the only advantage to an increased educational level. Education in safe and inspiring learning environments is one of the best ways to empower girls and reduce harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation. An educated girl will understand her rights; have the confidence to claim them and make her own choices about her future.

Ending violence against women will require major and far-reaching social change. The history of respectful relationships or gender-based violence education indicates that schools can play a significant role in this process. But it is short-term, inadequately funded approaches that do little to recognize the complexity of change and the time it takes to bring an education community to a common understanding, awareness, and commitment to change. So, we should all start educating our girls to empower them, as this is the only way to save them from domestic violence or the fear of being left alone.