The Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Nike in Enugu State, Christian Onyia, says “no one should remain in an abusive marriage”.

This is contained in a statement Mr Onyia issued on Saturday in Enugu while reacting to the rising spate of violence against married women in the country.

The clergyman noted that no woman should be tied down in abusive and violent relationship just because of marriage.

“Violence against women in all its forms, be it physical, sexual, emotional or verbal, is never justified. It’s both a sin and a crime.

“Marriages are broken by violence and abuse rather than divorce. The marriage covenant is broken by an abuser through abusive behaviour.

“Christians, and indeed, all, need to respond with compassion, solidarity and care for the suffering and the most vulnerable,” he said.

On the issue of forgiveness between couples, Bishop Onyia stated that “Forgiveness is not permission for repetition of abuse.”

The cleric said, “On the contrary, forgiveness means that the victim decides to let go of the experience, to move on in life and no longer tolerate abuse of any kind.”

(NAN)