It takes something like this, with all the public comment and the humiliation of the events being in public , to make her take stock . She is probably in an abusive relationship but , like so many, hasn't seen it for what it is. She has been inclined to say that he can be a bit volcanic. And he probably says that they love each other and have each other, and that's all they need....and all the other utterances that abusive men make. It was telling that , explaining her absence, he said that he "told" her to leave, not "we agreed" or "I suggested".
In my case, if I'd tried that , I'm sure I'd have received violence in reply but the question is academic. I can't see myself ever doing it.