This has to do with the fact that abusers are good actors/ actresses, smooth-talkers, and aggressive campaigners of themselves.

They are so good at putting on the "front" of a trustworthy person, so that their B.S. "stories" will be believed. My abuser went out of her way to make a good impression of herself to my contacts. In retrospect, I think it was really overdone.

But if these supporters remain close to the abuser for a long time, eventually, they will figure him/ her out.