Could it be that it's not so much the "hurt" being the focus,
as it is the -- "attention" that was received?

I imagine, a little mind/soul that yearns for feeling wanted, special and valued by an adult, attention of any kind can have a BIG pull on that little one.

if not that...perhaps..

Could it be that the "victim" identity is so strong that one perpetuates the abuse(in their mind) to have an identity-- to feel they exist? perhaps that particular feeling is one that can be tolerated better than other upsetting feelings??

wonder... if either of those "fit the bill"?

wishing you inner peace

fins