most (except for an elite group of qlers who hate the West) and I would NEVER raise my hand to my mother, father, wife or anyone else. mmyke is being sarcastic.

It is no more common in our society than yours, mate. Yes, very occasionally there is a dimwit who abuses his elderly parents, but they are prosecuted for their illegal and amoral acts. I don't think this behaviour is acceptable anywhere in teh world.