My first husband was an abusive alcoholic. I always took the "punishment" because at the time I believed I deserved it. When my son was 7 I finally had enough. My ex put his fist in my face and threatened me. I looked at him and told him he better make it good because when I came to I was going to blow his head off with the shotgun.
You do what you need to do to protect your cubs. We as women are stronger than we give ourselves credit for.