Violence, which includes physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, can and does occur in families without regard for race, class, religious affiliation, or occupation.
Family violence is a complex problem for which there appears to be many casual factors.
The family should provide nurture, compassion, warmth, respect, and sensitivity. Since Cain killed Abel, for far too many, the family has become one of the most violent institutions in society. Victims of family violence find themselves prisoners in their own homes, dominated, exploited and abused by someone they know and love, and often they are afraid to speak to anyone about it. Violence in the family results in the destruction of relationships as well as persons. The justice called for by the Old Testament prophets is encompassed by Jesus' call for justice at a more personal level.