I just wondered to myself:

I wonder how many people who hit their partners are victims of psychological abuse by said partner? In other words, how many relationships are co-abusive, and how does (can that) abuse manifest itself?

Is “hitting” merely the neanderthalic, obvious, and obviously illegal response?

Are there equally stringent mandates against psychological abuse?

How often is hitting, egregious as it may be, viewed outside of the context (which yes, does give rise to conversations on provocation, though no, is not an excuse)?

That we are so prejudiced towards certain types of victims and abuses is obvious, to some extent even makes sense. For example, some abuse affects physical well-being and actual life; whereas others affect emotional well-being and quality of life. Nevertheless, I think to address this topic meaningfully, these questions (and our biases) can not be ignored. In fact, these questions are really only the tip of the iceberg.

NB: If you are inclined to respond in an unthinking or myopic way, please don’t. I would like to engage in thoughtful analysis, not mindless and emotional politics.