I've got a very similair problem with my neighbour. He's got the most awful way of screaming violently at his young kids (one is under 5). Sometimes it happens every day for weeks on end. Uses the worst language imaginable. Usually happens when the wife is out but sometimes when she's at home. Proper piece of work this one, she started to shout at him last night and he let her know that she wasn't allowed. So it's just him allowed. There's more subtle stuff that upsets me. He has a massive chip on his shoulder, he takes it out on them behind closed doors. He's 6'4 for chrissakes. Uses his screaming voice and abuse to get his own way when challenged for his constant shit. Bad childhood, by his own account, but no danger of him taking responsibility. She eventually kicked him out, full scale, but he weedled his way back in within a week. I never figured out what I could do. She won't stand up for herself, she's just learned to put up with it to the point where she's started copying him. Very sad and upsetting. I'm moving on. Constantly.