…we should recognize that many abused women stay in the shadows because they believe our court system will not adequately protect them from further violence. They fear that reporting such behavior will fuel even worse danger later.
Justice should be clear and decisive enough that women will be freed to come forward, with the full protection of the law.
This means that churches should recognize the responsibility of the state in curbing such injustice. When a woman is abused, the church should notify police authorities, immediately, even as it ministers to the abused woman and, when applicable, her children.
Simply getting her out of the home is not enough; the abuser must also stand accountable in a court of law.