This First Congregational Church record from 1808 in Middlebury, Vermont addresses issues of domestic violence between my 3rd great grandparents. (Church record held by the Sheldon Museum in Middlebury.)
"We have been burdended with some of your conduct, which appears to us contrary to the rules of the gospel as essentially to put out the Christian light."
1. That you have treated the companion of your own bosom not only unkindly but abusively. 2. That you suffer your children to treat her likewise not only with disrespect but inhumanity."