There are two ways people go after being abused as children.  Both are difficult, but one is much better than the other.

Some people grow up to abuse others, become nightmare spouses, parents, friends, colleagues, bosses and leaders.  They feel they have the right to act like pricks, since life was cruel to them.

Others grow up to defend their loved ones from abuse.  They feel obliged to model caring behavior, to protect others.   They become beacons of hope in an often indifferent world.  

Deep feelings can change our hearts, for better or for worse.  But better is better.