Sadly, in the United States of America domestic violence is experienced by one in four women and one in nine men. Victims of abuse usually experience several range of side effects which further implicate their quality of life. In these times of despair and hopelessness, the body of Christ is equipped and positioned to help with restoring these individuals to a life of purpose, health and Godly fulfilment through counseling and talk therapy. As the apostle Paul would have reminded us in the book of Philippians to not worry about anything but instead to pray about everything, we therefore avail ourselves to pray with and for every victim of domestic violence. We understand that faith goes hand in hand with works and as such, in this article we will be sharing on organizations and local resources that are available in the United States.
Identifying Domestic Violence
Identifying the different types of domestic violence is crucial for recognizing abusive behaviors and understanding the full extent of the problem. Domestic violence can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. It’s important to note that these forms of abuse can overlap, and victims often experience a combination of them. Additionally, domestic violence is not limited to heterosexual relationships but can also occur in the family dynamic.
Here’s an overview of each type:
Physical Abuse: Involves the use of physical force that causes harm or injury to a partner or family member. It may include hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, choking, or the use of weapons.
Emotional/Verbal Abuse: Characterized by the manipulation, humiliation, intimidation, and control of an individual’s emotions and self-worth. It often involves constant criticism, belittling, yelling, name-calling, threats, and isolation from friends and family.
Psychological Abuse: Targets the victim’s mental and emotional well-being. It includes gas lighting (manipulating someone to doubt their own reality), mind games, manipulation, coercive control, threats to harm loved ones, or constant surveillance.
Sexual Abuse: Involves any non-consensual sexual activity or unwanted sexual advances within an intimate relationship. It includes rape, sexual assault, forced sexual acts, coercion, or demeaning treatment related to sex.
Financial Abuse: Characterized by controlling or exploiting the victim’s financial resources. It may involve withholding money, controlling access to finances, preventing the victim from working, running up debts in their name, or sabotaging their financial independence.
Where to find Help
Focus Ministries
Website: https://www.focusministries1.org/
Offers: Support, resources, and safe housing for Christian women and children escaping domestic violence.
Contact: 630-617-0088
LifeWire
Website: https://www.lifewire.org/
Offers: Domestic violence advocacy, support groups, and resources with a focus on empowering survivors.
Contact: 425-746-1940 or 800-827-8840
Peace and Safety in the Christian Home (PASCH)
Website: https://www.godswordtowomen.org
Offers: Resources, support, and training to Christian churches and organizations on addressing domestic violence.
Contact: 508-896-3518
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Contact: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Type of Help: Crisis intervention, safety planning, available 24/7 and provides confidential support and referrals to local resources.
Website: https://www.thehotline.org/
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)
Type of Help: Advocacy, policy development, technical assistance, and training.
Website: https://nnedv.org/
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)
Contact: Visit their website for contact information specific to their programs.
Type of Help: Awareness campaigns, public policy advocacy, and resources.
Website: https://ncadv.org/
Futures Without Violence
Type of Help: Prevention programs, policy advocacy, and resources.
Website: https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/
Safe Horizon
Type of Help: Shelter, counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy.
Website: https://www.safehorizon.org/
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Contact: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Type of Help: Crisis intervention, support, and resources for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Website: https://www.rainn.org/
Women’s Law
Type of Help: Legal information and resources related to domestic violence and family law.
Website: https://www.womenslaw.org/
Joyful Heart Foundation
Type of Help: Healing, support, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Website: https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/
If you suspect that you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, it is crucial to seek help and support from local resources such as domestic violence hotlines, shelters, or advocacy organizations. They can provide guidance, safety planning, and assistance in navigating the challenging circumstances
