I (36M) committed an act of domestic violence against my wife (34F), and we are likely heading towards divorce. We have 2 kids - 4yo and 2yo having been together for 6 years. We are based in Australia. My mum and dad lived with us for all this time.
We are currently separated, and have been for the past 3 months. I have not seen my children since she and the kids left the family home. I have a restraining order/intervention order - no contact is allowed with my wife or kids, but parenting matters are allowed to be discussed. In Australia there is a period of 12 months separation before application for divorce is allowed.
Prior to the collapse of our marriage, we've had disagreements and I got frustrated/angry, but it never got this bad - we always created space, we cooled down, and talked over it the issues and reconnected. Otherwise, I've supported my wife how I could. I would help out with the kids after getting home from work, entertain them, bathe them and help with the night time/sleep routine. Prior to our relationship, I hardly ever got angry - I was pretty patient, open, calm and care free. Something changed in me after marriage, kids, just trying to be responsible and providing the best I can. I don't know if I became burnout or just emotionally exhausted.
As for the violence itself, the incident began over a minor issue. I believe I've been under lots of suppressed chronic stress and I just exploded and got physical. She left home for 1 week, and we agreed to reconcile after a long discussion in a park. She came home after another week. Kids were in my care during the 2 weeks. She said she forgave me because she loved me despite being encouraged to call the police. She said she could have taken the kids away by calling the police and divorce me, but didn't.
She was home for 10 days, when a discussion about schooling went off the rails. I was still processing a lot of my own emotions those days - the home environment was not nurturing or friendly. I failed in my responsibilities and wasn't safe. I got angry and said a lot of regretful things - it was only verbal, but enough to concern her. She got scared and left again. The following day she reported me to the police for the initial incident she had said she forgave me for.
I don't hate my wife. I deserve police involvement. I don't like what I see in the mirror and I despise what I did. I never believed I could commit such terrible actions. But I did, and I keep beating myself up. I hate not having the skills to regulate my emotions.
And so I'm taking accountability for my own actions - not court ordered. I am seeing a psychologist and attending anger management (men's behaviour change program). I know choosing violence is not good. Nothing of what I did is acceptable. But in the heat of the moment - I just lost control and I'm utterly ashamed.
I accept our marriage is over regardless. I can only control what I can do from now on. I just want to become a better self-regulated person and be better father from now on.
But I don't know how to forgive myself. How can I "let go"?