In some Christian circles it is believed that the Bible encourages husbands to discipline their wives by spanking them. I was shocked when a newly married friend, someone I had known from childhood, proudly showed me a paddle he used to discipline his wife.
True, even outside the Christian groups. It's nothing like domestic violence tho. The wife is usually glad for it, if she isn't, she leaves.
Probably stays because it is like pushing a "reset" button.
Getting a spanking is a lot easier to deal with than stewing over things or having a fuss with words that harm the relationship.