Hummmmm... I'm not saying that she is telling the truth, but perhaps some could be enlightened by learning of a little thing called battered woman syndrome
not that it is the case here, however there is not always bruises that show, nor do women often tell others about the abuse...
http://www.divorcenet.com/or/or-art02.htm
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ocpa/94Guides/Trials/Valid/
etc.....l