If a spouse hits first and the other hits back, is it abuse on one side or both?

Answer by  technogeek (6640)

In any physical situation, the guilty party is the one who throws the first punch. However, in retaliating, you cannot cross the line.

Answer by  patti (29325)

For the most part, it doesn't matter who started it. The premise is that it takes two and both parties are to blame. The police can evaluate a specific situation to determine if both parties should be prosecuted. There are cases in which one party may be acting in self-defense, but the authorities must decide that.