Is Domestic Violence Grounds for an Annulment?

In of itself, domestic violence is not grounds for an annulment, as annulments are granted on the basis of deficient marital consent at the time a couple exchange their wedding vows (CCC 1625-32). However, domestic violence could be contributing grounds if it were symptomatic, for example, of a psychic inability to exchange valid consent (Code of Canon Law, no. 1095).

In any event, domestic violence is undoubtedly grounds for separation of bed and board between two spouses and potentially grounds for civil divorce as well.