Abusive relationship implies there is still a "relationship". This old man just landed backwards headfirst on the cement. He could have easily died from this.

Now, I don't know about you, but a slap to the face shouldn't equal instant death to a person. I have a little bit of empathy for human life and while the guy that slapped the woman is a dick, he can probably be helped. Especially since he realized he fucked up so quickly.

I have been hit by girls I was in a relationship with before. I didn't stay with them, but I would never want any of them to die. Even if they did have the power to knock me out.

Just saying, people do stupid shit, but very few want to literally watch someone die in front of them. Or for their kid to deal with that for the rest of their lives.