Can a man hit a woman?

Y • Mother of a 1 y/o girl, and expecting baby #2 😍 Boston MA ❄️

My bestfriend was hit by her man.

She says it was her fault because she they were arguing and she started to yell at him calling him names and bringing him very low, cursing him out etc etc so thats why he hit her in the face. She never put her hands on him but she said she provoked him verbally. (Obviously she was blinded by emotions thats why acted that way) shes sorry and apologize to him and so did he )

Is that still a reason ????