Self-Victimization is also sometimes used quite strategically to elicit sympathy from others and gain their assistance in supporting, enabling or hiding abusive behaviors. This is a common tactic used for proxy recruitment.It is very common for perpetrators of abuse to engage in self-victimization for two main reasons:Justification to themselves - as a way of dealing with the cognitive dissonance which results from inconsistencies between the way they treat others and what they believe about themselves.
Justification to others - as a way of escaping harsh judgment or condemnation they may fear from people whom they wish to please or impress.