Why does a lot of victims of abuse tend to avoid confrontation?

I have known a few abuse victims (mental abuse more than physical abuse). One common trait among all of these people are they would go to any length to make peace. Usually their abusers use this weakness to get their things done. For instance, one of the abusers I know would call up everyone if the victim does not pick up the call or would create extreme public nuisance. The victim would than quickly pick up his/her call or would try to do anything to bring back peace, usually at the expense of his/her dignity.
I have asked these victims and they have usually responded that they like peace.
Is there any psychological/ neuroscience phenomena that exclaims this behaviour?