The Choice to Leave Abuse

God strongly condemns any form of abuse.In recent years, the struggles of Latter-day Saints in abusive relationships have made national headlines. The media attention has highlighted a deeply unfortunate perception: many Latter-day Saints fear that by choosing to leave an abusive relationship, they are at risk of breaking their covenants with God. Mental health professionals and law enforcement officers who work with Latter-day Saint populations attest to the number of people who continue to be hurt, humiliated, and even killed because they believe it is their religious obligation to endure abuse to the end.This damaging misperception, and the traditions that have helped create and maintain it, must be corrected. With a direct and straightforward discussion of the doctrines and teachings about abuse, this book not only provides clear guidance for bishops and other local leaders on how to respond to abuse, but it will also help you discover God's true feelings about abuse and the love he has for all who suffer.Learn to identify the signs of abuse in your own relationships and in others.Overcome roadblocks that may be hindering escape from an abusive situation.Follow the path of healing in mind, body, and spirit.The gospel of Jesus Christ offers tremendous hope, healing, and redemption for those who suffer mistreatment, neglect, and abuse of all kinds. The deliverance offered is not only spiritual and post-mortal, it is temporal, applying to here and now. This message needs to work its way into our collective conscience and become an integral part of our culture.