Might be a self esteem thing. The fucker was beating her psyche as much or more than her back side. She may have experienced depression and lacked the will to follow through. Time has a way of lending perspective and her feelings may have changed over the years.
It's not always the abusive hitting that does the most mental harm. Constant verbal abuse, especially yelling and intimidation is as bad a shaking babies.
Appreciate your gut instincts and how you acquire them. Some folks still play 'keep em down on the farm' and things like street smarts and common sense aren't passed on. It's all about power and a well adjusted kid would resist much more effectively.
It's not always the abusive hitting that does the most mental harm. Constant verbal abuse, especially yelling and intimidation is as bad a shaking babies.
Appreciate your gut instincts and how you acquire them. Some folks still play 'keep em down on the farm' and things like street smarts and common sense aren't passed on. It's all about power and a well adjusted kid would resist much more effectively.