I'm not really looking for advice because there's not much that can be done

Sorry but I disagree. If he verbally abuses you ("too often" as you say), then I would get out of Dodge. I know a lot of people would recommend therapy and counseling and whatever else but I have witnessed couples go through that with little to no effect. And since he sounds like a repeat offender, I'm not sure how much good that would do.

Life is too short to spend with a hostile partner where you feel the need to "insulate" yourself from the problem rather than address it head-on. I wish you nothing but the best and I hope you find peace.