Bluebird...a major law changed in the 90's here, which made great differences. Prior to that change, the victim, had to lay the charge.
No matter what was obvious. Now, the police officer when seeing signs of assault, lays the charge. The decision is taken away from the victim to prevent the abuser intimidating the victim into withdrawing charges. It is out of the victim's hands. (Of course they can still be intimidated into not supporting the evidence of who was responsible during a trial.)
But, if one was able to prevent physical harm,
(by silence and obedience or whatever)verbal abuse (which slowly destroys any self respect, dignity) was not recognized unless specific threats were involved. I think verbal abuse was definitely rampant in the past. And it was a double edged sword, in that, if you prevented physical harm, by 'obedience or whatever',
when you did speak out,the common words were "But he never hit her!" "Well, what is the problem ? Did he hit you? Sticks and stones..." Which obviously implied many things.