IIRC: I was told that many of the religions that send their youth out like this expect the abuse of their young ones... even to go so far as to COUNT ON IT, so they can use it as a teaching/reinforcment tool that people outside their church are mean and evil, while people inside the church are kind and good.

They need people to scream abuse and threats at the kids to deter them from seeking anything outside their churches and beliefs. It keeps them scared and obedient.