Defence only. No retaliation. If the female is stronger and restraint impossible get the hell out and stay out. Consider contacting the police. Its called physical abuse mate and nobody, man, woman or child should have to suffer it.
A guy that used to work for me confided that his girlfriend would occasionally get violent when drunk. I warned him that things might escalate and sure enough they did. During one attack on him she broke his jaw. As he tried to restrain her she called the police and he ended up in a cell for the night. He would have been charged if his girlfriend hadn't withdrawn the complaint a week later.
If this is happening to you you really need to think about exiting the relationship. Whatever you choose, good luck mate and I hope things work out for you.