“Is Matrimony a prison that won't let you out even of a violent marriage?”

Matrimony — a free and faithful promise for life

🛡️The Church's answer: No. The indissolubility of marriage gives an abuser no right to keep hold of a victim. Where there is physical, sexual, emotional or economic violence, or where children are in danger, the first step is to separate to a safe place and get help from the police, protective agencies, lawyers and doctors. If a civil divorce is the only way to protect rights and safety, the Church can permit it.

🧐If they press further: “If I forgive, do we have to live together again?” — No. Forgiveness does not mean reconciling on the spot, or living together, or dropping the report and the prosecution. No one may be pressed into a return before safety has been established.

✨In one sentence: “The holiness of marriage isn't a lock that hides violence — the life and safety of the victim and the children come first.”