But getting help means taking responsibility? I don't think people have to put up with anything they don't want to - we're talking about adults here. If the treatment of the OP towards this person was that bad there are plenty of things they could do about it - no longer associating with those they don't wish too is one of them.

I'm really not sure how people are unable to understand this - yes it's a terrible thing when we're treated badly but why must we assume we're powerless? I've experienced this personally - I was abused by my mother and brother, so I decided to move out and associated less with them. Our relationships are now fine. But instead of sitting there going woe is me i did something about it and gained a solution. This is the responsibility of adult life and the OP's situation relates to an adult problem. They've mentioned nothing about this other person being vulnerable or incapable of self sufficiency. If we just expected other people to always rush to our aid and fight our own battles i'm pretty sure the world wouldn't function as it does.

I really can't explain my point any clearer...nor do i intend to for a third time. I continue to wish the OP well in stopping behaviour that they find undesirable.