How much violence should a women take before seeking help or getting a divorce.

My husband has a short and fast temper. He is heavy handed with my dogs and at time with me. He has pulled me across a room by my hair, forcely grabbed my arm and tried to choke me. He cannot control himself when he gets in a rage. He loses his temper to little things and has difficult time tolerating things that fustrate him. He does put in a effort to try but just results back to his old ways. Should I get help and stand by his side or do I divorce him. Divorce is the last thing I want. I want to help him but I feel like I'm losing myself by doing so.