Unfortunately drunksunflower is right (her response is on page 1), abusers have more often than not been abused themselves. They find their own unhealthy way of coping with their situation by abusing others. Maybe it's a control thing, they have never really had control over the things that happened to them and now finally they are in a position to control someone else. Think of initiation at varsity. The seniors have all been through their own tough time of initiation and know how bad it can be, and yet they continue to humilate the first years when they get their chance! Often it turns out that the first years who have been handled the worst become the most terrifying seniors. It's a strange cycle, but it does exist, it's sad I know, and these people should know better, but the former abuse are clouding their judgement. For someone who grew up with a dad who beated him, it's become the norm for him to treat his own kids, he doesn't know better. He doesn't know what a loving relationship is like. That's why it's so important that people seek counselling after abuse, not just for their own benefit, but to stop the cycle.