Does God expect me to forgive someone who abused me?

This deserves a careful, honest answer, not a simple yes that ignores real pain. Christianity does call believers toward forgiveness—but forgiveness here doesn't mean excusing the abuse, staying in danger, or reconciling with someone who hasn't changed.

Forgiveness, biblically, is mainly about releasing your own need for personal revenge—handing the demand for justice over to God rather than carrying it yourself. "Friends, do not avenge yourselves," Paul writes, "instead, leave room for God's wrath" (Romans 12:19). That's not the same as saying what happened was okay, or that there shouldn't be real consequences, including legal ones.

God is described as being especially close to people who've been hurt this way: "The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). Whatever forgiveness eventually looks like for you, it isn't something to rush, and it never requires putting yourself back in harm's way.

If you're in danger now, safety comes first—full stop. Forgiveness is not a substitute for protection.