There was a famous experiment in which volunteers were directed by scientists to give shocks to people behind closed doors when they answered test questions incorrectly. The strength of the shocks kept increasing. Two thirds of those delivering the shocks, although they heard the recipients screaming and felt stressed, continued to do as told by the scientists. One third refused to continue and quit the experiment. Likewise, one third of children raised in abusive households end up associating with other families and don't pass on the abuse.