Short Answer
Yes, pinning someone down can be considered assault (or even battery), and repentance does not remove the seriousness of the act. Safety and the risk of recurrence should guide your response.
The Overview
Physical force within a marriage—such as pinning someone down—is not excused simply because of the relationship. It can legally and morally be considered assault or even battery, depending on the situation. Marriage does not remove accountability for harmful actions.
An apology or repentance is important, but it does not erase the reality of what happened. True repentance must be accompanied by real change. The key concern is whether the behavior will happen again and whether the person affected feels safe.
From a biblical perspective, civil authorities exist to address wrongdoing. Romans 13 teaches that government has a role in restraining and punishing harmful behavior. In serious situations, involving authorities may be appropriate, especially if there is ongoing danger.
Wisdom and support are essential in these situations. It is strongly recommended to involve trusted leaders such as pastors, as well as family members when appropriate. These voices can help provide guidance, accountability, and protection.
Ultimately, the priority is safety. If there is any concern that the behavior could continue or escalate, taking action—whether through counsel, community, or legal means—is necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Marriage Does Not Excuse Harm
Physical force can still be assault. - Repentance Must Show Change
Words alone are not enough. - Safety Is the Priority
Assess risk of repeated behavior. - Government Has a Role
Authorities exist to address wrongdoing. - Seek Wise Counsel
Involve pastors and trusted people. - Take Action if Needed
Especially if danger is ongoing.
Bible Verse Mentioned
- Romans 13
Transcript
In a marriage situation is pinning someone down on a bed. Consider physical assault. Yeah it is. Should police be called even if it’s a month later? Well, would have been better if it were immediate. Is a husband’s apology or repentance enough to not see it as assault? Well, assault is assault, whether it’s apology or not. I mean, what you want to see is repentance.
And that’s, I suppose, up to your discretion whether you’re going to accept this repentance. And if you see change, then, yeah, maybe it’s is worth moving forward. But your concern should be whether this is going to recur and whether you feel as though you are in danger. Right. That’s the concern, at least in the state of California. You know, assault is different than battery.
And even if you’re pinned down on a bed that may actually constitute battery, you need to look up in the California domestic and Family codes. You can do that online. What constitutes physical assault and battery. And those are distinguishable and defined very clearly in the California family codes. And anyway, yeah. So what I would say is the book of Romans chapter 13 is very clear that the government is there for the reason.
And as an extension and minister of God, it says in that passage to punish bad behavior and when bad behavior takes place. Right. It is, you know, your call to pick up the phone and to see this enforced when there’s bad behavior, to see it punished. So, yeah, I think you should talk with your pastors. You should talk with your parents, your family members if you have some.
And yeah, someone should be dealing with your husband in all of this. And yeah, certainly we don’t want to see you in danger. And you probably are the best one to decide whether that’s the case or not. And if this is a one off in terms of your husband’s never touched you in anger before, well, then, you know, maybe this is a one off, but if you fear that this is going to happen again, then yeah, maybe it’s time to see the government do what it’s called to do.
Talk to your pastor and talk to your family if you need to. And again, if you ring the bell with the family, just remember that’s a bell you can’t unring. So start with your pastors and see the context for all this. All right.
