I'm willing to bet, building a series of shelves and a high up perch for that cat to climb up to, to get away from that baby, will solve everything.
Cats need their own personal space and many cats feel more secure high up. If all the cat has for space is the floor, something that feels insecure to a cat, makes them feel tiny and defenseless, he's probably stressed out(indicated by "history of violence") and that baby is using up that space with the dog. So that cat feels like he's got nothing, he tried to express authority over the baby for space, and that man kicked him for what the cat probably perceived as for no reason. So the stressed out, insecure, personal bubble spaced invaded feeling cat finally snapped and attacked the whole family.
Cats can be too fast and agile if they are motivated enough. Add to that they are quick thinkers. You try to throw a blanket on him, he'll get around it and be up the front of your shirt in a blink of a eye.