The Verbally Abusive Relationship by Patricia Evans saved my life. When you hear abuse, cortisol is released, and cortisol damages the immune system. it is like having rocks thrown at you and you wouldn't stand there and let anyone do that to you. All you can do is refuse to listen to verbal assault......don't respond, they don't care what you think or feel. Walkaway into another room, if he follows you, go outside. No one ever gets used to (or should) by being abused.