Freeto - when you say last December do you mean Dec of 2014 or Dec of 2013??
I am wondering if you feel he has changed for the better? If it's only been a couple months, that would be hard to believe - but over a year, perhaps you're witnessing real change??!!?
I do not know things from your side of the fence but have learned from others that changes in behaviors = actions is many time better than words. Words are words but changing behaviors takes time and sometimes bears witness to real change.....if that makes any sense.
All that said, no one ever has any right to put hands on another nor verbally abuse them, period. Curious about how you view his behavior today...... do you perceive it to be real???