2. A wife is an equal heir of the grace of life and not the possession of her husband (1 Pet 3:7; 1 Cor 6:19-20).

3. Intimacy requires equality and mutuality. Sexual communion requires mutual consent (Jn 10:33-36; 16:16; Mt 18:4; 23:11-12; Mk 9:35; 10:42-45; Lk 9:48; 1 Cor 7:3-4).

4. God's plan is that the home should be free of oppression (Is 54:5-14; Rom 12:8).

5. Physical violence and verbal abuse are forbidden by God (Ps 56:5-6; Is 58:4-6; Mt 5:22; 1 Thess 4:3-6).

6. Misunderstanding of the concepts of headship, submission and hierarchy should not be used to justify abuse (Mt 20:25-28; Mk 10:42-45; 2 Pet 3:16).

7. Silence, secrecy and concealment are not God's way of dealing with problems (Mt 10:26; Mk 4:22; Lk 8:17; 12:2-3; Eph 5:13-14; Jas 5:16).

8. The church is charged with the responsibility to address situations of abuse within its own community (Mt 18:15-17; Gal 6:1; 1 Thess 5:14; 2 Thess 3:14-15; 1 Tim 4:20; Tit 3:10-11; Jas 5:19-20).

9. Polygamy, adultery and infidelity are condemned in Scripture (Lev 18:20; 1 Cor 6:8; Heb 13:4).

10. Forgiveness is the work of the Holy Spirit. For the abuser, it must be preceded by true repentance. For the abused, forgiveness is part of the healing process and will take time and perhaps distance (1 Cor 7:10-11; Gal 6:22-23; 62; Jas 1:4; Gen 42:21-23; 45:4-15; 50:20; Rom 2:4) .

11. Christians cannot condone polygamy, prostitution, sex trafficking, child abuse or rape (1 Cor 6:9-10; 16:16; Eph 5:3-5; 1 Tim 3:2; Mt 18:1-6; Mk 9:42; Lk 17:1-2).

12. Changed attitude and behavior rather than tears, extravagant gifts or desperate promises bespeak genuine repentance (Mt 3:8; Lk 3:8: Acts 26:20; Heb 12:17).

13. While Christians may in some circumstances risk their lives for the sake of the gospel, they should not be exhorted to remain or return to life-threatening situations that might be avoided (Rom 16:3-4; Mt 4:5-7; Acts 9:23-24; 12:17; 14:19-20; 17:6-10 19:29-31: 23:10, 12-24).

14. Sometimes separation is the best course for the safety and peace of family members (Gen 13:7-11; 14:8-16; 21:9-21; 25:8-9 27:41-45; 32:1-33; 45:4-15; Prov 24:1-2; Acts 16:36-40; Col 4:10; Philem 24; Cor 7:5).

15. Godly men and women are called to acknowledge the prevalence and severity of abuse, to respond compassionately to those who suffer and to aid in their healing through practical and spiritual support (Is 58:6-7; Rom 12:15; Eccles 4:1).