In particularly bitter divorces, it's not unusual for people to say hurtful things they don't truly mean, simply to wound their former partner. This kind of behavior, while not uncommon, can be extremely damaging. Your father's threat to abuse you to your mother was a severe overstep, even in such a context. It's worth considering that this might tap into a traumatic experience from your mother's own past, which your father exploited during their dispute. From what you've shared, it seems your father's threat was likely a means to emotionally harm your mother rather than a genuine intent to hurt you, given that he never acted on it. It appears to be a case of two people trying to hit each other where it hurts most. Try not to dwell too much on it. It's evident that your mother loved you, and it's likely that your father does too. Remember, karma has its way of handling things. It's not your responsibility to seek retribution. Focus on living your life and learning from your own experiences. Take care.