I was never in a relationship where the guy was abusive. But I have been abused by my father...for sooo many years. Bloody noses, bruises, etc. And it confuses me, because I'm the only one he did it to. Not to my mom OR my brothers. I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because of him and all that stuff. I'm working on forgiving him though. He hasn't put his hands on me in one year, so that's pretty good at least.
But yeah, the abuse was ignored by everyone. It was horrible. But it's getting better, thankfully!
Why do people abuse other people? It could be various reasons. Poor role modeling, self-esteem issues, anger, hurt, etc. etc. The list could go on and on. I don't know why my dad just started abusing me one day. Maybe because I grew up. I don't know. He still thinks it's my fault...so I really don't know what led him to do that.
And I've had a boyfriend who was emotionally abusive, but not physically...