Hello, Seven, I'm sorry I was late getting to you. I have my hands full here with a messy situation.
After reading the replies to your post I find myself in agreement with the advice given here. For a man to hit a woman (other than self defense) is an inexcusable action. The brother has some deep-seated problems which he may, or may not, in time work out. I would not want to be his punching bag while he's sorting out his behavioral problems, though. While not impossible, it's very unlikely that he will solve this tendency toward violence on his own. As has been mentioned here, the elders ARE NOT equipped or qualified to deal with such a situation.
You're doing the right thing.
Please be advised that people like this guy we're talking about do not always act and react in a rational manner. He may not take 'no' for an answer so I would be very careful of him from now on and make sure that you do not give him anything at all that might make him think things are okay now. Don't even be nice to him. Be as cold as you can. Being nice makes him think that everything is okay now, that you have forgotten what he's done. Being cold is a constant reminder of his deplorable actions.
If he gives you the slightest indication that he would like to see you again tell him that you are going to the police and press charges for assault and that you will have a restraining order placed on him.
The old cliche is right, 'Life is short'. It should not be spent in perpetual turmoil. I have lived in a virtual boxing ring all my life, I should know!
And as far as the space station is concerned, I hear that it's very boring there. I would recommend a real fast starship instead. Aside from a few possible skirmishes with the Klingons and the Romulans it should prove to be quite enjoyable.
