I've experienced this Brian. ..I was in 27 year relationship with my first wife..not once did I lay a hand on her in anger. ..may be the odd elbow and right foot Joking aside, not once was I provoked into such actions. .same with my second wife. .nada!
I've said it before and I'll say it again. .until you've lived with someone like that, you don't know how you would react.
Love and Peace Xx
Gwaps