That's true. He most likely taught her the hardships of saying no and standing up to abuse and what it costs. "The sins of the fathers will be visited unto the third and fourth generation." "The sins of the fathers have set the children's teeth on edge" Yes, the woman did wrong but why? Why did she allow the abuse to go on and on with no consequences and without standing up for her daughter's rights? Because, she was not taught those rights as a child nor given security. You're right, as much as I wanted to see her punished also I cannot help but notice how quick he was to attack her without asking questions. The reactions of the grand daughter help to explain this. She doesn't wish her mother attacked, first of all, because it's her mother but second, because she knows a deeper truth. Her mother weakly defended her but ultimately gave in. Maybe due to cowardice but such cowardice usually springs from something deeper. A deep inner fear of reprisal. Accepting abuse is a hallmark of a person who has been conditioned.