What constitutes physical abuse?

I have been working with domestic violence victims for many years. It may sound weird to you, but he fits the "typical" description of an abuser (if typical is appropriate). Loving, charismatic to the public, and maybe to you at first, but is in time jealous and scary at home. Does it always escalate? Statistics show 90-95% of the time. You could be that 5%, but it is not a chance you may be willing to take. To change his behavior will take work on his part. HE has to initiate help. My recommendation? Stay back until he does and is through with counseling, anger management....whatever it takes. It is abuse and I am sorry you feel the way you do. No matter what, it is not your fault, there is nothing anyone can say to another that merits harsh physical touching and harsh words.