Verbal abuse so he won’t get physical

Hi! I just want to preface this with: I’m out. I’ve moved out and we only see each other if it has to do with our child. We’re communicating well right now and we will talk on the phone about our relationship and the abuse and the help he needs to get. I am not getting back together with him.

He did tell me the other day (he also told his closest friend this too) that he verbally assaulted me when he got angry so he wouldn’t get physical with me. He did eventually get physical which is why I left. But even though he’s being honest, I’m having a really hard time with what he said. I will be seeing my therapist this week but can someone help me explain why it’s upsetting so much?