Here are some prominent examples:
* Miss Havisham and Estella: Miss Havisham's treatment of Estella is emotionally abusive. She manipulates Estella into becoming a cold and heartless woman, raising her to break hearts and cause pain. Miss Havisham's own bitterness, stemming from her betrayal and abandonment, fuels her desire to inflict similar pain on others. This is seen in her insistence that Estella "break" Pip's heart.
* Joe and Mrs. Joe: While not overtly abusive, Joe's character is portrayed as kind and gentle, while Mrs. Joe is a domineering and harsh figure. This creates an imbalance in their marriage where Joe is constantly put down and subjected to verbal abuse. The power dynamic highlights the oppressive societal expectations placed on women in Victorian England.
* Pip and Mrs. Joe: Mrs. Joe's harsh treatment of Pip, characterized by physical punishment and verbal abuse, reflects the harsh realities of childhood in Victorian England. Her abusive actions are a direct result of the social structures that prioritize obedience and discipline over understanding and nurturing.
* Pip and the convict: Though not romantic, the convict's intimidation and threats towards Pip in the beginning of the novel can be seen as a form of abuse. He uses his power over Pip, exploiting his fear and vulnerability.
It's important to note that Dickens's work often portrays social injustices and the consequences of power imbalances. While the novel doesn't explicitly focus on romantic abusive relationships, it offers a nuanced look at the complex dynamics of power, control, and abuse within family structures and social hierarchies of the Victorian era.