Maybe you are not a psychologist and all the other professions you described, but your post is very valuable. As a teacher and a Principal I often encountered students who needed help because of the situation you described. I followed more or less the same path that you described and it was so great to see how these children developed in a different direction and became more self-confident. Bullying and therefore less self-respect are so bad, that is an obligation for a responsible adult to do something about it. When you can help someone be a stronger person, that is the reward in itself.
It must be so heartbreaking for you to see students in abusive relationships whether at home or with their peers and not be able to fix it for them. I would feel helpless for those who don't yet recognize it.
Thank you for your thoughtful reply @clio.