Recently, the news has taken up a story coming from the Portugal courts about a faithful spouse who beat up his adulterous ex-wife.
Here is CNN’s take on it (click here).
The Portuguese judge dared take into consideration how the adultery impacted the accused when laying down the punishment for the crime he committed.
What most of the reports obscure is that the accused is still punished for the crime of beating up his ex-wife. He is fined and given a suspended jail sentence. That a crime took place is not denied.
I share this story NOT to justify or encourage such criminal behavior as this clearly is. To respond with violent sin to adulterous sin is still sin. To be crystal clear:
pLEASE, DO NOT BEAT UP YOUR CHEATER WITH A sPIKED CLUB!
The reason I share this story is to highlight how our society is quick to dismiss the trauma of adultery and to call this Portuguese judge a misogynist (essentially) for taking that trauma into account in sentencing.
Amnesty International is quick to condemn the leniency this judge shows towards the cuckold husband. They even call it “abusive.”
So, this international body is out there suggesting a light sentencing on the ex-husband is “abusive,” but is mum–as far as I can tell–as it comes to the abuse this man experienced as someone whose wife committed adultery against him.
Two wrongs do not make a right. And two wrongs are present here even if Amnesty International is unwilling to face that uncomfortable fact.
Both parties–i.e. ex-spouses–were abusive!
It just happens that most legal systems today let adulterous abusers off without consequences.
Amnesty International claims to be so worried about domestic violence. Why not include adultery in that category of violence as well?
As it stands, these stories just serve as a reminder as to how our world cares so little for the victims of adultery. They seem to resent even seeing that they exist.
I agree. It’s so very sad & messed up.
I don’t know how may times I’ve read or heard about the faithful spouse snapping & reacting violently (wide range of actions). The most common response from others is, “They were so jealous. If they couldn’t have him/her, than they didn’t want anyone else to!”
I personally think PTS caused by the adultery is to blame, not jealousy.
People would be better served if adultery was treated as a crime and the victims of adultery were respected and counseled as other victims of abuse are.