The idea that the word "provocation" is even being discussed is sickening. I don't care what she did or say, it is incumbent on him to walk away. Also, this notion is so shortsighted as it relates to domestic abuse. My employment requires me to work with individuals who both perpetrate domestic abuse and are the victims of it, and it goes so far beyond "don't talk **** and you won't get it" that to suggest provocation has ANYTHING to do with domestic violence is absurd. Men don't hit women because of fear or frustration, they do it to maintain control. This isn't about mouthing off, it's about control.
The entire handling of this is sickening. The fact anyone would mention provocation, the woman apologizing at the press conference, just all so barbaric and awful.