I don't think he meant it that way. But I could see how your feelings could be hurt by that, hell mine would be.
Bottom line is I do believe that ANY person who left such a terrible situation would probably be a very good source for advice as they can understand and relate and if nothing else relay valuable information as to how to steer clear of such situations.
When one is raised in less than ideal circumstances as adults they have to learn how to *undo* what their parents instilled in them. Some get it and some never do. Our mistakes are our greatest teachers.
It took me many many many years to be able to identify abusive pricks (both male and female) but once I *got it* the warning signs became very VERY clear and I merely walked away.
Abusive asses start off seeming very sincere and loving, then they zing you a bit and you are totally caught off guard. Then they apologize and blame the *zing* on YOU. "If you hadn't looked at me THAT way..." "If you would just leave me alone for 10 minutes when I come home wound up from work." "It isn't that I don't trust you. It is EVERBODY else that I don't trust." and on and on and on.... Then the stage is set and a vicious downward spiral is begun.... very VERY difficult to recover, but NOT impossible.