It seems that domestic violence/abuse is only spotlighted once a year. Yearly, attention is brought to victims of abuse and how advocates can stop domestic violence in the home, office, or other settings. Domestic violence is ongoing all over the world. During this time of COVID-19, victims are especially vulnerable, being in close quarters with their abusers for long periods of time, there, things can get a little touchy!
We may not want to think about it, or even believe it, but reality is domestic violence of some sort is going on every minute of every hour, of every day, of every week, of every month all over the world.
On an average 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the U.S. That is more than 12 million women and men over a year! That means domestic violence is in your community and may be in your home. Domestic violence/abuse is ongoing: 24/7 and 365 days a year and we are here to help.
Brenda McGibboney
“When it comes to abuse, you believe there’s no way out. There is always help. There is always a way out.” Rev. Donna Mulvey.
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A few Myths and Realities of Domestic Violence.
Myth: This kind of abuse [physical, psychological ] is restricted to poorly educated families from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Reality: Abuse is found in all socio-economic backgrounds. An unusually high incidence is found among police, physicians, and men in the helping professions. Several studies show a high correlation between psychological, physical abuse and increased levels of education among violent men.
Myth: Intimate partners have always fought. It is natural and therefore cannot be that bad.
Reality: According to statistics the home, not the streets are the “nursery school of violence”. At least 85% of the men in prison grew up in a violent home. To eliminate violence in society, we must first eliminate violence in the home.
Myth: A little slap never hurt anyone.
Reality: The distinguishing feature of abuse is that is a pattern of coercive controls that may or may not include physical violence, but is characterized by its severity and intensity. It can last many years, and physical injuries can range from a black eye to broken bones. Over a third of the murders in this country occur when one family member kills another. Another result is a loss of self-esteem and reduced feeling of self-worth and self-confidence.
Myth: Victims of abuse are masochistic and enjoy it. Otherwise, they would not stay.
Realty: Victims of abuse may be reluctant to leave for a complex set of reasons including safety, shame, fear, lack of money, or concern for children. When a victim does leave, it does not guarantee that the beatings will stop. A perpetrator of abuse will often go to great lengths to trace their spouse or partner down, in order to continue the abuse. In fact, victims of abuse are more at risk for fatal injury at the hands of their abuser after they leave.
Myth: Women batter their husbands.
Reality: Well, yes and no. Some, not all women batter. Figures indicate that there is one abused husband for every ten abused wives. However, this may be under-reported. The difference lies in the extent of the violence. Women receive far greater physical injury than men do.
“At any given moment you have the power to say this is not how the story is going to end.” Christine Mason Miller.
So, where did all this violence come from? Contrary to popular belief violence didn’t start when Cain killed his brother Abel. A thumbnail version.
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon [Satan]…and [they] prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven…he was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:7-9 KJV Bible.
The nature of violence is well entrenched in all cultures of the world, and it has been since the beginning of time. As you can see from the above scripture, violence actually began in heaven by Lucifer. Therefore, it is not just a social Problem that presents itself in social contexts, but pervasive, demonic and spiritual in nature, it is meant to destroy people, marriages, and the family in particular. Hence, it must be addressed by spiritual means.
The Renewal Center for Batterer Women is dedicated to serve clients by helping to remove distress of domestic violence through education, counseling, guidance, and assistance in making better life choices through biblical principles, and practical applications.
If you are currently in a domestic violence situation please call the Police in your area. Or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1 800 799-7233, 800 787-3224 (TTY)
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