I’m humbled that you’ve come here from the Proverbs 31 devotion to explore more about the issue of domestic violence, whether it be your experience or the experience of a friend. My husband and I have found ourselves in the middle of helping women get safe, and we’ve learned a little about the journey along the way. Take some time to explore some of the following resources available, and if you know of other great places that help victims of domestic violence, please share them in the comments section.
Warmly,
Related Articles:
- Daisy Chain Protecting the ‘Least of These’ from abuse
- Providing Shelter: The Church and Domestic Abuse
- An Ugly Secret: Domestic Violence in the Church
- She Seeks: A Cry For Truth
Books:
- Daisy Chain, by Mary DeMuth
- Angry Men and the Women who Love Them.
- No Place for Abuse: Biblical and Practical Resources to Counteract Domestic Violence
- Keeping the Faith: Guidance for Christian Woman Facing Abuse
Online resources:
- Share your family secret anonymously
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: http://www.ndvh.org/
- Hagar’s Sisters, a community of women supporting each other.
- Focus Ministries.
- Safe Haven Ministries.
For friends of those who are battered:
I have been married to abusive men twice. Argh! I know! Now I am a divorced 46 year old christian woman with a lot of experience in this area. Thank you for putting it out there for others. I’ve always wanted too, but was always healing myself first. One thing that struck me in your Proverbs 31 letter is the part about men in ministry. Neither of my husbands were in ministry, but they both “used” God’s words about women submitting themselves to their husbands in an effort to control me. It’s very important for women out there that have not healed to understand that these are flags to look for when they do meet another man. Almost any man that is a “date” that asks you questions about your beliefs in scripture concerning women is a potential abuser, especially if you don’t know him well. He is seeking a woman that he can abuse whether he knows it or not. Getting into dating after abuse is risky business. Be careful. Most of us say we will never let it happen again, but we fall for the same type of person. My advice is get to know yourself very well. And pray about every relationship in your life. If it is of God, it will not hurt to love someone.
Thanks for being a voice.
Lesa,
Thanks for sharing your story. What a blessing that you’ve come through on the other side. Wow!
Although I did not marry an abusive man (great, amazing hubby), I could have. My best advice is to truly seek healing for past family trauma. When we pursue that, our hearts aren’t as damaged.
Thanks for bringing this to light. Here is my story. I have been married to an abusive man for 52 years. I am strong in my faith and confident I am a worthy follower. My love for my husband is great and devoted and know he loves me dearly. Long ago he physically abused me. Once when he hit me, I pretended to be unconcious for 5 minutes. He never hit me again. Emotional abuse continues – less,as years pass, but still there. He is a “control freak” Recently, I began specifically praying for his heart to receive the love of Jesus and to feel the love for Jesus that I feel and he still does not. I was given The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian and I am applying the works I am reading. True love is strong and I have great hope even after all of these years. We are blessed with 7 children, many of which have witnessed the abuse of their mother which has been difficult for them and for me. They have been my support team. ..and many times one or the other urged me to leave. Perhaps I should have left long ago, but I did not and will not. All will be well someday. We are devoted to one another and my self esteem was reborn after I took control of myself and did not allow his words to hurt, as I knew it was with himself that he was unhappy. Thanks for “listening” It helps to tell of it. I am, perhaps, not as happy every day as I would like to be, but I have a Happy Heart and know Jesus loves me and my husband and family and stands to uphold us when we fall.
MaryLou,
Wow, that’s a very, very long time. I’m thankful you’ve run to Jesus for support and healing. May the Lord bring joy and laughter to you in unexpected ways this week.
Warmly,
Mary