Many abuse victims do indeed blame themselves, as a coping mechanism. Most people will put up with a surprising amount of mistreatment and hard times. Until/unless they reach a true "I've had it moment," they will continue to accept an environment that suppresses them and causes them harm. They will excuse it by claiming that they have no other option, or that they're doing it for the kids. But until they reach that tipping point, they won't do anything about it.
And many people never reach that tipping point. They lead lives devoid of life, so to speak. There's little to be done for someone who will not break out of the cage they have built for themselves.