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BalishBun: I think sometimes we can forget.

As far too many people here are aware, what makes abuse so powerful is that it occurs "in secret". This secrecy and privacy protects the abuser but it does absolutely nothing to protect those he/she abuses.

As with any other abusive situation it's very important for people to know that they have options. Even then however, it often takes tremendous courage for them to take those initial actions to speak out and protect themselves. Sometimes, they find they cannot do so and will retreat instead -- this is always an indication that they don't feel it's safe to speak. Hopefully, they will eventually find that safe space where they can do so.