A child in an extremely abusive family situation often seems to become deaf to the verbal abuse and insensitive to the physical abuse, as if the child simply wasn't there experiencing the abuse. One explanation for this behavior is:

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Self-hypnosis can be a coping mechanism for individuals, including children, in highly stressful or abusive situations. It allows them to detach from their immediate surroundings or experiences, which can make them seem as if they are not present or are unaffected by the abuse. This psychological defense mechanism helps them endure their environment by mentally escaping from the reality of their situation.

A Child in an Extremely Abusive Family Situation Often Seems