7seas,
I think you're a good guy.
So I'm going to disagree with a few things politely and respectfully.
You suggested the OP should contact the police.
I don't think this is even legal unless there has been physical abuse, or a least a threat of physical abuse... and the woman has already said there has not been.
If there is no physical abuse, then we need to begin our whole assessment by just taking a deep breath, and taking a step back.
The reason I've been telling her over and over to either talk to her pastor, or get some other kind of LOCAL COUNSELING, is because that is generally the most cautious thing to tell someone YOU DON'T REALLY KNOW.
The truth is, humans lie.
They lie, they exaggerate, they sometimes only tell one side of a story, and sometimes they just make mistakes or see things unclearly.
That is WHY the pastor told her to bring her husband in to get counseling together.
It's because humans almost NEVER give you both sides of the story.
Humans only see their own side of things.
The FIRST rule of counseling is to get both sides of a story, and try not to jump to conclusions after talking to only one person.
And then this whole mess becomes COMPOUNDED if you're talking to someone you DON'T REALLY KNOW.
Therefore, it is generally not the most prudent thing to give too much specific counsel to SOMEONE YOU DON'T REALLY KNOW.
Someone at her church, who knows her and her family, is actually in the best position to asses the ENTIRE SITUATION, and then give wise counsel.
I'm sure you have only the best intentions.
I can sense that you just feel protective, and want to help her.
Those are GOOD THINGS.
It means you're a caring and honorable person.
But we just have to be extremely cautious when giving specific counsel to people we don't really know.
Maybe her pastor is a terrible pastor.
Could be.
But it's still best for her to get some kind of counseling from someone locally that knows her family, and can get a real and proper assessment of how things actually are.
We are just not in a position to do any of that.
Take care.
.