I agree it was most likely a very violent home. From what I've read about their virtual world activities, I can see it easily coming into real life as well.
I've tried before but now, I just can't give AB a pass for any of this. Even if he was the one being abused, it seems as if he could have gotten himself out of it. Or at the very least, he could have had Zahra removed from the situation. By all accounts, Zahra had a very loving family & friends in Oz. If AB had let anyone know there was a problem, I really believe they would have helped him & Zahra come home.
No matter how it started, I hold both EB & AB equally responsible for what happened to Zahra. They should face the most severe punishment afforded by law.
All JMHO