It's 100% said to hurt you.

He'll reach in deep and come up with the thing he knows will get to you most.

I could tell you some horrible insults I've had in this situation. The phrases do stick in your mind. Interestingly, the decent men, I would part on good terms with. It's the crap ones who lash out like this.

The email sounds like a good idea. Have it all in black and white, then you won't have to keep rehearsing it in your head.

Big hugs. I feel so awful for you.