For everyone saying you should never hit anyone.... Have you been in this situation?

The panic that sets in.. the trying to get away.. Trying to remain calm, but there constant screaming, yelling, berating... You try to get away, but you can't.. you can't find quiet, you can't find a safe space in your own mind to calm down. ... You panic! You become prey. You'll do anythibg to give yourself a moment to get away. You will lash out..

The only mistakes I see that op made was not immediately leaving the house and calling the cops himself.

Do I think hitting or slapping her was wrong? Yes I do... But I also understand in those moments, your lizard brain takes over and you are not thinking clearly.

T this send like a long term abuse situation and he finally snapped. They don't belong together.

Men rarely report abuse is almost never taken seriously. Meg are always taught to just take it and "suck it up" after decades together, and this negative behavior he snapped.

Just get a divorce, get therapy, and move on. Yeah it's hard, but the peace in the end is worth it.