Some have been abused for so long that they no longer know what verbal abuse is. Most children have been called names. Some have been deeply humiliated and hurt and carry their scars into adulthood. Somehow others survive. The expression of verbal abuse is not only in the content of what is being said but also in how it is expressed by the abuser.
Abusers seem to confuse criticism with humiliation resulting from abuse.
There is a difference between criticism and verbal abuse. Criticism can lead to growth when expressed in a constructive way. Verbal abuse however, is similar to living in a poisonous environment which can only lead to ill health. Children have no resources available. As they grow into adulthood as victims of abuse they develop such poor self image and self esteem that they begin to feel that they deserve the punishment and the hurt.