COMMENT | Consider this scenario: Man strikes wife.

He apologises. She forgives him because he said sorry and everyone deserves a second chance.

Man strikes wife again.

He apologises and promises he will never do it again. She forgives him - because he promised, and he said he will change.

Man strikes wife again.

He apologises and swears it is the last time. She forgives him - maybe it is her fault too. They tell her that her religion preaches forgiveness and mercy. She needs to try harder to earn his love and happiness.

Man strikes wife again.

He apologises. She forgives him. Maybe she should try harder to make him happy. Maybe she is not good enough. They tell her that religion demands that she be obedient to her husband because he is her ticket to heaven.

Man strikes wife again.

She ...