Abbate is accused of violating his probation by taking drugs. Prosecutors say Abbate tested positive for opiates in January. He has been out of jail on a $40,000 bond.
Friday, Abbate's s case was continued because a witness was not available.
Abbate was convicted last June for the 2007 beating of Karolina Obrycka at a Northwest Side bar. The incident was captured on a security camera.
Domestic violence groups came to the hearing angry that Abbate is not behind bars.
"The woman is still suffering," said Andrew Holmes of No Guns No Violence. "It was a slap in the face, a disrespect to American woman. He was treated differently. He should have been sent straight to prison."
"Unfortunately, the judge said the crime wasn't serious enough to put him in jail and that the doctor said it was just bumps and bruises. Well, as a matter of fact, Karolina has said this whole incident has changed her life. She thinks about it every day," said Kathy Doherty, executive director of Between Friends.
A new court date has been set for March 26.
