If one is a minor, has limited physical and/or mental capacity, elderly, is kidnapped and held hostage against their will, then no abuse cannot be prevented. If one is fully capable adult then yes steps could be taken to prevent abuse.

If abuse victim is not in any of the special circumstances outlined above then a victim has full power to leave

Some damaging myths are about victims not having power to leave

People could be abusers for many reasons like addictions and personality disorders and some people are just plain nasty. They can change but they cannot be lead. They have to do it on their own

Abusers are often perceived as having all the power and victims are powerless and helpless. Well it’s incorrect. Sometimes victimhood is a chosen role. At times some people chose to remain victims because that gives them attention. Sometimes it absolved them of responsibility. Some stay because abuser pays bills, makes all decisions and runs the show. Victim just has to put up with bad treatment but they never have to take charge. Some people don’t want to have decision making power, it could be easier to give power to abusers and just mope around. Less work.

Some people also overuse the word abuse. Anything could be labeled abuse if one wants to do that. And way too often abusers are the ones that scream “abuse”.

How does one recover? If you were truly helpless such as scenarios I mentioned before then therapy is helpful and other professional work. In other cases therapy is helpful as well but also reflecting on one’s mistakes. Find like minded people. Take your time. Take care of your health. Live a good life.