In another translation, 'drb' can also be translated to refer to a husband abandoning her wife instead of 'beating' her. That is, he should separate from her. (from free-minds.org)
"The men are to support the women with what God has bestowed upon them over one another and for what they spend of their money. The upright females are dutiful; keeping private the personal matters for what God keeps watch over. As for those females from whom you fear desertion, then you shall advise them, and abandon them in the bedchamber, and separate from them. If they respond to you, then do not seek a way over them; God is Most High, Great.
And if you fear a permanent rift between them, then send a judge from his family and a judge from her family. If they want to reconcile, then God will bring them together. God is Knowledgeable, Expert."
-- 4:34
Obviously, translators and interpreters have power over holy books to harm or to heal. :/