That is quite a good way of looking at it, cause while the brain may be in 'pieces', it IS still there! As i said, this is one form of abuse that is very hard for 'outsiders' to understand. These women, generally know what is right & what is wrong, i know i did, but depending on the level of violence & abuse they are putting up with, it can be very hard to 'figure' out how to go about getting out. In one way, my decision was made easier by the fact that i spent 3mnths in hospital, i had time away from him, & this is when i was able to make at least one right decision for me & my babies. By this point, i knew he would kill me if i went back.
I cant say i agree with the comment that some women 'like' it, & actually go 'looking for abusers'......imo it is more so that some women have been belittled & damaged so much that they feel this is the only life they will ever have......breaking cycles & routine is a very hard thing for some to do, but i dont think that means they like it!
I understand there are women & men for that matter that do enjoy a bit of pain etc, the whole whips & chains thing comes to mind......BUT domestic violence isnt a fetish!