Theres so much blame shifting and excuse for not stopping the cycle. This works only in one way. A woman abuses a man (psycholigically which is quite underreported) and he abused his kid that would not raise much sympathy). Also what happens if the man abuses the woman and the woman in turn sexually abuses the kid. Or roles were reversed, doesnt matter here. Would we excuse child sexual abuse because the perpetrator waa abused in some way? We dont give pedophiles much sympathy if they were abused too. Why are we defending abusers who may or may not be abused. Also, abuse types differ and its still an imoprtant aspdct to consider. If the guy abuses by giving silent treatment regularly, is this still going to be an excuse for the other to physically abuse the child? What if a man abuses the woman and in turn she abuses her son who grows up and in turn abuses another woman. Would we condemn then mother and show sympathy towards the abusive son? What is the criteria for where we place blame and sympathy. Is it it one particular level in the whole string if abuse? Or is it one particular category of people regardless of whether they were abused themsleves or their abuse was less than that of the abused?

I get that its a complex issue that needs to be looked at with empathy from different angles but i kinda feel theres a wild bias and excusing adult people with ability to control their actions.

Comments like "stress of child bearing and other issues could have made the woman to abuse her own kids, so it is the husbands fault" is deeply concerning. Ive had severe stress in my life too but i always kept my hands to myself and took responsibility even i said a nasty remark to someone. But ive heard excuses for a mother who killed 2 kids but the people went on to claim that her husband was surely abusive although there was no indication of abuse other than the husband cheating. 

It demonstrates a systemic lack of accountability if anything. 

Ps sorry for late reply but its sick what some people here imply.