She is no longer with the guy. You have to ask why she needs help. Do you have any idea what this does to a person emotionally?
I agree with you! Being on the receiving end of abuse, be it physical, emotional, psychological or other has long-lasting effects. It creates an environment of fear and helplessness. Therapy is extremely important for this woman to regain her sense of self-worth and value.
The longer she lived with the abuser, the more deeply affected she will be. It is a process of control, intimidation and conditioning that eventually renders the victim so paralyzed emotionally that it is almost impossible to leave.
In 1987 there was a well-known case in NY City in which Joel Steinberg was found guilty of killing an "adopted" child that lived with him and his partner. The partner, Hedda Nussbaum was also battered. She was so beaten down that she stood by and did not intervene when he beat the child to death.
THAT is what spousal abuse causes, Manu. It is not a joking matter.