What do you think about divorce in a domestic violence situation?

Answer 1

I think it is the only altrnative available to the abused spouse. I am a Christian. No one should have to stay in an abusive situation.

Answer 2

Why not just leave your spouse and not get remarried?

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church...

Divorce

2382 The Lord Jesus insisted on the original intention of the Creator who willed that marriage be indissoluble. He abrogates the accommodations that had slipped into the old Law.
Between the baptized, "a ratified and consummated marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power or for any reason other than death."

2383 The separation of spouses while maintaining the marriage bond can be legitimate in certain cases provided for by canon law. If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense.

2384 Divorce is a grave offense against the natural law. It claims to break the contract, to which the spouses freely consented, to live with each other till death. Divorce does injury to the covenant of salvation, of which sacramental marriage is the sign. Contracting a new union, even if it is recognized by civil law, adds to the gravity of the rupture: the remarried spouse is then in a situation of public and permanent adultery:

If a husband, separated from his wife, approaches another woman, he is an adulterer because he makes that woman commit adultery, and the woman who lives with him is an adulteress, because she has drawn another's husband to herself.

2385 Divorce is immoral also because it introduces disorder into the family and into society. This disorder brings grave harm to the deserted spouse, to children traumatized by the separation of their parents and often torn between them, and because of its contagious effect which makes it truly a plague on society.

2386 It can happen that one of the spouses is the innocent victim of a divorce decreed by civil law; this spouse therefore has not contravened the moral law. There is a considerable difference between a spouse who has sincerely tried to be faithful to the sacrament of marriage and is unjustly abandoned, and one who through his own grave fault destroys a canonically valid marriage.

Answer 3

God, the Originator of marriage, designed it to be a permanent union. But is there any Scriptural reason for a person to divorce his or her mate—and one that would allow for the possibility of remarrying? Jesus addressed this matter by declaring: “I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication, and marries another commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9) Sexual infidelity by a mate is the only ground for a divorce that will allow the innocent mate to remarry.

In addition, the Bible’s words at 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, while encouraging marriage mates to stay together, allow for separation. Some, after trying very hard to preserve their marriage, feel they have no choice but to separate. What can be acceptable Scriptural grounds for such a step?

One is willful nonsupport. When getting married, a husband assumes the responsibility of providing for his wife and children. The man who willfully fails to provide the material necessities of life “has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) So separation is possible.

Another is extreme physical abuse. So then, if a mate physically abuses his wife, the victim may separate. (Galatians 5:19-21; Titus 1:7) “Anyone loving violence [God’s] soul certainly hates.” Psalm 11:5.

Another ground for separation is the absolute endangerment of a believer’s spirituality—one’s relationship with God. When a mate’s opposition, perhaps including physical restraint, has made it impossible to pursue true worship and has imperiled the believer’s spirituality, then some believers have found it necessary to separate. Matthew 22:37; Acts 5:27-32.

However, if divorce is pursued under such circumstances, one would not be free to enter a new marriage. According to the Bible, the only legitimate ground for divorce that permits remarriage is adultery or “fornication.” Matthew 5:32.

The Bible allows only one reason for getting a divorce that frees a person to remarry, and that is fornication (Greek, porneia, gross sexual immorality). If fornication is committed, then the innocent mate may decide whether to get a divorce or not. Matthew 5:32.

After telling the Pharisees that the Mosaic concession of divorcing their wives was not the arrangement that had prevailed “from the beginning,” Jesus said: “I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication, and marries another commits adultery.” (Mt 19:8, 9)


Marriage involves two people with differing personalities learning to develop common interests and working together toward common goals. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, not a casual agreement that can be lightly abandoned. In many countries, divorce is not difficult to obtain, but in the eyes of a Christian, the marriage relationship is sacred. It is ended only for a very serious reason. (Matt. 19:9) Christian spouses can avail themselves of wise counsel from the Bible, support from fellow Christians, and a close, prayerful relationship with God. A successful marriage endures, and over the years, it brings happiness and contentment to husband and wife. More important, it brings honor to God, the Originator of marriage.

Answer 4

Of course you should leave someone who is harming you or your children. Many Christian denominations believe that divorce for any reason is wrong (I know, my mother went through a similar situation). If this is the case with your church, consider this: do you want to associate with people who believe it is better for you or your children to be hurt or killed than for you to leave the person responsible?
I'm assuming since this is in the religion forum that the opinion of your church is part of the problem. If that is the case, you should either find a new church, or better yet, get rid of your religion altogether and stand on your own two feet. You will be happier in the end.

Answer 5

If there is domestic violence of any sort, the victim needs to get out immediately. No questions, just GO.

Answer 6

I think a person should go to their pastor or a good Christian counselor in this situation and proceed from there.
One should leave if they and their children are in danger but I don't know if they should divorce. Many do thought. That's why I said the person should consult the pastor or a counselor.

Answer 7

I think it should be accompanied by a good, old-fashioned flogging for the abuser. Abuse seems a very cowardly way to handle an undesirable situation.

I wish there were a third gender, larger and stronger than men, that could intimidate and beat the crap out of men--so that men could know how it feels to be in constant fear.

Answer 8

Definitely justifies a divorce!! Violence is not love.

Answer 9

How could you continue to be married to someone who beats you?

I guess you're looking for a religious answer. In that case, I think the abuser has broken the committment they made by marrying this person they beat and the marriage is rendered null and void by that alone.

Answer 10

i believe you need to get out of it as soon as possible, before someone gets killed or very crippled !! also, whoever is doing the violence should go to jail.
no one has to stay in a place where they are being hurt over & over again.