Apart from the literal meaning (in which you suffer physical attack), when you 'take a beating', you lose badly, perhaps in a competition or sport; or perhaps in a business deal. You can use this expression in social or professional situations.

1. Our team took a real beating in the big match last weekend. It was dreadfully embarrassing.

1. Many investors took a heavy beating when the stock market crashed. Nobody saw it coming.
2. My efforts to push through reforms have taken a few beatings, but after over a year of struggle, they were finally given the green light.