This. And while I'm not an expert on these kinds of situations, I can't help but think the kind of relationship Dick has with Cat here is fairly reminiscent of a lot of abusive relationships. In that the abuser is not always an out-and-out villain that jumps out of the shadows at the victim. It's someone they sorta like, maybe even trust, and there's a crapload of guilt and shame involved which works in the favour of the abuser, and discourages the victim from seeking help.
It's awful, and it's horrible, but it's fairly realistic.