BTW - a clarification - please correct me if I'm wrong:
Assault can be defined as verbal abuse.
Battery can be defined as physical abuse.
Technically, your husband MAY have a point - but I seriously doubt it. If you were just ranting about the situation and not attacking him verbally, then you are in the clear. If you insulted him - then there COULD be a case for assault as long as there were witnesses. It would then be up to a judge to interpret the intent of the words.
On your side - Lisa - just saying.