What should I do about my husband who insults and slanders me, doubts my conduct, and constantly swears to divorce, given that I have left the house after he assaulted me, and he is threatening to divorce me and expose what he perceives as betrayal, especially since he does not ask about his children?

If a husband neglects his wife, curses her, insults her, beats her, and threatens her with divorce, his actions indicate his bad character and contradict the principle of treating one's wife kindly. It is permissible for a woman to seek divorce from such an abusive husband. However, her leaving the marital home is not permissible unless there is a legitimate reason, such as fearing harm to herself. It is advisable for wise people to intervene for reconciliation. The husband should either keep his wife with kindness or release her with goodness. The ruling on swearing by divorce has been explained in previous fatwas. A woman raising her voice at her husband is not permissible; it is an act of defiance (nushooz). Anger is not an excuse that negates accountability unless one loses consciousness. Retaliating for abuse in kind is permissible, but forgiveness is better. A woman communicating with a non-mahram man is not permissible; it is a temptation (fitna). However, this does not justify a man accusing his wife's honor, as that is slander (qadhf), which is a major sin.