I don't know... sounds like he is giving her a line in order to get some action form her. If he's been flirting with her for a year and didn't get anywhere with her, then he's probably frustrated and wants to convince her to do something she wouldn't ordinarily do. Its an old story, tell a sob story, girl will do anything to help him.

I'd believe this sotry with a grain of salt. I once had a guy tell me the whole abuse thing, and I know it was just a ploy for sympathy and perhaps some female loving to help him forget it.