Should really be going to bed 3 hours ago now, so I haven't read the tread yet, but this is a really interesting question, and one I've pondered for nearly half my life. When I was 13 I finally told of the (technically pretty mild) sexual abuse I'd faced from my uncle. It was understandably a messy time, I was in hospital due to self harm etc. I was fascinated by crime, reading about the more extreme things made me feel more normal. The idea that so many notorious killers had been severely abused was both scary and motivating. I needed to prove that I could do things differently. The name of an album I liked at the time by Staind, "Break the Cycle", was my motto. I had CBT which made an amazing difference, but I do still feel some blame. I get on well with my parents but there are some things I will never forget - mostly around their reaction (mum begging me not to prosecute etc).
DH was also abused, very very badly, sexually/physically/neglect, the works, by his mother. He went through alcoholism, and wound up blackmailed into marriage with an emotional (sometimes physical) abuser with whom he has 3 DCs. I am certain that if he'd not gone through such a terrible childhood he would've had the strength to walk away sooner (but then he wouldn't have his wonderful DCs - obviously this helps him remember "no regrets"). But now, he is fine. Despite the fact he's got a severe back injury (complicated by what his mother did to him, and he can't work now, he is only 43) he is an incredible husband and father. He works hard to make sure he doesn't end up like his mother.
Sorry I've really waffled. 
The one question that I am always asking myself is: when a person reaches a 'fork in the road', what determines which route they take? What makes one person think "I will not turn out like my parents/abusers" while another thinks "fuck it - I am destined to become an abuser myself"?
And with that thought I'm off to bed. 