The abused person starts feeling helpless and possibly even hopeless. Many men are obviously verbally cruel and abusive. Others are more subtle. Although verbal abuse does not leave black eyes or visible bruises, it is often more seriously damaging to your self-image. Verbal abuse is cruel and scars your soul.
Many women never discuss verbal abuse.
Indeed, some do not even recognize that they are being verbally abused. Often a verbal abuser is quite sensitive to outsiders finding out about the abuse and is very careful to save these scenes for the home environment only. Many verbal abusers are delightful, charming men in public. They save their cruelty for a private audience of one. During the courtship period, everyone is on their best behavior.