I find that happens too often when trying to explain abusive situations/experiences. I don't know if it's because one is standing before them to tell the story or not. Plus, I believe it places them in a position to feel powerless to help. And if they know the abuser even less reactive they become.

I also had asked because in my own history, it really wasn't until my mom had tossed out a label to me, when I began to understand why the things in my marriage continued to cycle year after year, month after month like they did and I was able to seek help.