Blondie, you said "I just don't make myself a target.". That sounded as if you maintained relationships with abusive people.
Actually, I think that means you stay far enough away not to be a target, not getting close or closer. It's hard to avoid all abusive people in the world who can be people at work, workmates or supervisors, neighbors, etc. In those cases as well, the solution means eventually putting distance between you and them physically or emotionally.
I have said many times on JWN that I have not had any contact with my abusive jw family since I left, 10 years now.