turned the other cheek

Jesus did not come to change the law, but instead better explain what was always meant in the Old Testament.  That there has to be consistency between old and new testaments, where we understand that the gospel and moral law have not changed.  Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:17–18). This important statement of our Lord gives us insight into His mission and the continuance and perpetuity of the moral law.

What does Jesus’ turn the other cheek' mean?  First, let’s look at how Jesus teaches in a specific pattern throughout the Sermon on the Mount. He starts with: “You’ve been taught {the wrong way of doing things}…”
Then he explains: “But I say {explain the correct understanding of doing things}…”
And he finishes: “Here’s how {this topic} impacts your life…”
In the verses we are looking at, Jesus says:
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

In Matthew 5:38 Jesus begins with a reference to the Old Testament legal principle of “an eye for an eye” found in Exodus 21:24 and Deuteronomy 19:21. The purpose of this Old Testament guideline was to place limits on legal punishment, and ensure that punishment for a crime committed not be more severe than the crime itself.  This law was not meant to be brutal. Instead, it was meant to limit retaliation to a proportional affect.  So if you were hurt, you couldn’t justly hurt the offender with a crippling blow.

This principle still remains in modern legal codes under the name Lex Talionis , or Law of Retaliation.
Jesus’ comments are related to a legal, or court, setting. A place where disputes are fought out. The subject of His comments is retaliation. Specifically, we might be within our rights to retaliate to a slap in the face by slapping their face in return, but the question dealt by Jesus is -  should we do so?  Jesus is saying that that we have no right to retribution or retaliation.

Commentator Matthew Henry wrote, “…for it is the second blow that makes the quarrel.”
Violence builds upon itself. Evil for evil is self-perpetuating.

Turning the other cheek does not imply pacifism, nor does it mean we place ourselves or others in danger. Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek is simply a command to forgo retaliation for personal offenses. He was not setting government foreign policy, and He was not throwing out the judicial system. Crimes can still be prosecuted, and wars can still be waged, but the follower of Christ need not defend his personal “rights” or avenge his honor.

How does this apply to children? We don’t believe that children should be expected to stand back passively while other youngsters bully and attack them. Instead, they should be equipped with a plan of action. They should be trained to respond, not simply react. I would recommend that parents provide their children with goals, objectives and alternatives that are within their reach - and a desire to cooperate with others as far as it is possible to do so. In cases where these options are not feasible, they should also be prepared to defend themselves appropriately.  We are told that we are to live peacefully with all men, as much as is possible.   That does note mean - endless, and in all cases. 

What does this mean for woman that are in abusive households?  Some would tell you that you have the Christian duty to stay in that house and show your abusive husband your other cheek - again and again to your demise.  This is no what Jesus is teaching, and go way beyond what is being taught.  Calling the police is an option - but I would not make it your first option (unless there are kids involved, or there is no other way out).   There is no reason that someone should stay in a house where there is abuse.  If you are being abused, leave that house and stay with family and work towards reconsiliation (if, and when possible).