If someone discloses abuse, they are probably being 'overly dramatic'

Most people living in threatening and controlling situa­tions are reluctant to admit what is happening to them for many reasons. These include the shame of being abused; the fear of what their abusive partner will do if they tell anyone; and the fact that their partner will have minimised and justified their abusive behaviour, which will often cause the victim to believe it wasn't ‘that' bad.

Those experiencing domestic abuse may worry, with good reason, that people won't believe them – especially if their partner is seen as ‘a charming person' or ‘a pillar of the community'.