I never suggested Leo's are untrustworthy, quite the opposite as a matter of fact. What I am saying in general with mostly Leo men or Leo ASC/Moon, I have found them to be playboys as a general rule and I am guessing it's similar with the women. They like admiration and praise and to be center stage. BUT, once they commit they are in 100% in it without waver and will swim through shark infested waters to save their mate.
I noticed Mars is also conjunct the Moon/Mer conjunction, I missed that. Mother issues. IMO, the freedom needs come from the opposition of her Uranus conjunct her ASC opposing her Des. This could point to fast starts to relationships, on/off, abrupt endings, liking people who aren't available which could manifest in many different ways, i.e. they live far away, emotionally unavailable, married, not interested, etc. Another manifestation could be not loving the one you are with or the grass is greener elsewhere, she could create situations where she subconsciously pushes her partner away and they start to lose interest and this will incite her interest again as she has to "win" that person interest back. There usually is some sort of imbalance in relationships she is in, she likes the person more or they like her more, it could shift back and forth. Uranus likes to create unpredictability and with it sitting on her ACS opposing her DES, there is a likelihood of that happening. Now, Saturn is there with Neptune too which creates an interesting dynamic. Rose colored glasses mixed with the planet of coldness and harsh reality. Perhaps this helps offset the Uranus influence. I am guessing she might live out all of these traits with different relationships.
To answer your other questions, I would not be surprised if she was abused. I look to the ruler of the 4th or 12th houses and planets places inside. The outer planets most notably Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto in hard aspect to the 4th or 12th house rulers typically points to some kind of abuse or neglect. Saturn is usually and absent parent or one that is extremely cold to the child. Uranus is as I said above, unstable and unpredictable, sometimes physical abuse; (Pluto is also abuse including sexual?, Neptune points to substance abuse typically by one of the childs caretakers/parent. You have her 12th house ruler Sag/Jupiter opposing Uranus, Saturn, and Neptune. I would say it's definitely a possibility, whether it's sexual, emotional, physical, substance abuse, or a combination it's hard to say. Have you asked her?