Did we do the right thing?

Yes, of course. Any one who abuses another person has broken the law. Why is there a law against abuse? Because its concidered harmful, mentally and physically to an innocent human being. If you are at harm to others or yourself, you go to jail or a mental institute. Its that simple. You do the crime you do the time. Its wrong to hit/push/punch/yell at another person intentionally. Self defence gets complicated, but in this day and age you must have self control. Sounds like your uncle needs help as well. Its motherly instinct to cry over your child. She is a normal mother.