Human Rights For Those in Intimate Relationships

	The right to share equally with your partner all decisions and responsibilities related to your relationship, children, home and finances.
	The right to share equally with your mate in all financial decisions.
	The right to have friendships outside of your relationship as long as you do not violate the privacy of your relationship with your partner.
	The right to express your opinion and then be given the same respect and consideration as those of your mate.
	The right to have and express your sexual needs and desires without feeling like you are selfish, demanding, or aggressive.
	The right to have your emotional, physical and intellectual needs be as important as the needs of your mate.
	The right to expect your mate to do his/her part to resolve difficulties to your relationship.
	The right to hold your mate responsible for his behavior rather than assuming that responsibility yourself.
	The right to seek professional help with your relationship.
	The right never to be physically attacked or emotionally degraded by your mate and the right to end the relationship (and to seek safety), if either occurs.
	The right to expect significant behavioral changes rather than apologies and promises from your partner if a single battering incident occurs.
	The right to not blame yourself if the relationship in which you have invested so much love and effort ends.
NOTE: It stands to reason that if a husband and wife are abiding in Christ and love Him, having Him as the center of their life, they will be respecting "human rights in marriage." Unfortunately, too many in the controlling churches of God have placed obedience to the "government of God" as the center, rather than the Lord Jesus Christ. Do Philadelphia Church of God Husbands Abuse Their Wives? (Can also apply to women who were abused in Worldwide Church of God. Good article to help in recognizing an abusive and non-abusive relationship; also shows examples of healthy behavior in a marriage.) WCG's Meddling with Marriages Booklist (includes titles of books on spiritual and emotional abuse) Back to Articles For Child Survivors