Question: Should Mormon Women Tolerate Abuse?
Are Mormon women required to be more patient and long-suffering with their husbands when their husbands are unfaithful, or when they sexually, physically, psychologically, or emotionally abuse them?
Answer: No member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, man or woman, is expected to (or should) tolerate abuse, in any form. Nor should a Mormon woman tolerate abuse from her husband. The Church of Jesus Christ has always spoken out against abuse and will continue to do so in the future.
In an October 1998 General Conference address President Gordon B. Hinckley stated:
It should also be noted that, although every attempt should be made to resolve an abusive relationship, a woman's first priority is to ensure that she and her children are safe. Only then can efforts be made to repair the marriage.
See the Church's Stand on Abuse for additional information and help.
Notes
1. "What Are People Asking about Us?" Ensign, Nov. 1998, 72.
In an October 1998 General Conference address President Gordon B. Hinckley stated:
"We condemn most strongly abusive behavior in any form. We denounce the physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse of one's spouse or children.... No man who abuses his wife or children is worthy to hold the priesthood of God. No man who abuses his wife or children is worthy to be a member in good standing in this Church. The abuse of one's spouse and children is a most serious offense before God, and any who indulge in it may expect to be disciplined by the Church."1In The Family: A Proclamation to the World it states:
"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God" (1995, paragraph eight).Women who suffer abuse from their husbands are encouraged to seek counsel from their local leaders. An excellent article entitled, "A Conversation on Spouse Abuse," was published in the October 1999 issue of the Ensign. It contains valuable information on how to identify abuse, who to contact, and how to overcome the effects of abuse.
It should also be noted that, although every attempt should be made to resolve an abusive relationship, a woman's first priority is to ensure that she and her children are safe. Only then can efforts be made to repair the marriage.
See the Church's Stand on Abuse for additional information and help.
Notes
1. "What Are People Asking about Us?" Ensign, Nov. 1998, 72.
