Escaping the subtle, non-physical abuse, introduced little by little, by spouses and family over a long period of time is not a choice that is easily recognizable, especially for those under the spell of a Sociopath, they are cunning, ruthless, treacherous and subtle. After all, you wouldn't let someone walk you into a brick wall when you can see it coming would you?
A sociopath specializes in securing your confidence, love, sympathy, forgiveness and other similar emotions, and then repeatedly walking you into that wall over and over again. What's more, they will convince you it was anyone else's fault but theirs, and in time, you will start to believe there is actually something wrong with you. This is a person with whom you will have to fight to keep title on your sanity.