I think we can do more than we might guess. Those of us who have been there are positioned better than anyone else to offer understanding and encouragement to women and men who are still trapped in homes that are ongoing nightmares of verbal, emotional, or physical abuse. Acknowledging our own past abuse story is painful, but it may be just what another needs to hear.
Here is a list of ideas on how any one of us might be able to make a difference:
--Call 9-1-1 if we hear a domestic violence situation at a neighbor's home
--Invite another out for a cup of coffee or a lunch, if they have indicated that they are having marital problems. Listen. Share honestly from your own experiences.
--Encourage your pastor to address domestic violence in a sermon.
--Share your testimony of your past and how God helped you--it is a story that glorifies God and may help another to seek help.
--Donate money &/or time at a domestic violence shelter.
--Post a shelter magnet on your refrigerator.
--Keep shelter information in your wallet so that you can pass it on when an opportunity presents itself
--Pray for those who are feeling fear in their own home.
--Pray for children who are witnessing abuse or being abused themselves.
--Hold a fund raising project for your local shelter.
--Speak up when you hear someone verbally bashing another.
--Write a letter to your editor when there is a news story about another victim of spousal homicide.
--Ask direct questions when another hints about abuse.
--Teach your children how to live Jesus' way.
--Don't allow sexist jokes in your home.
--Teach your children to respect other people's boundaries.
--Never pass up a chance to pray for someone who is hurting.
--Join a national abuse prevention organization.
--Respond with warmth and sensitivity any time someone shares about abuse.
--Pray asking God to use you however He wants to, and see what happens.
Loving lives lived authentically and transparently make a mighty difference in this world. Jesus said that we are shining lights. So let's do some shining, right where we are.
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6 comments:
Great, positive ways to reduce domestic violence!
Every bit counts! God sees it all and cares deeply about victims.
Hi Tayna,
I have never been a victim of abuse, but I know others who have. It's always a tragic and senseless situation.
Thanks for giving a voice to victims of abuse by posting your positive ways to reduce domestic violence.
Great that you are so honest and open so that it may help others, Tanya.
If you ever want to read my blog on another type of victim abuse (it feels that way to me, anyway), visit it at http://joshua-mom.blogspot.com.
I am a survivor of my son's suicide.
Take care and keep up the great work.
Jean Ann Williams
irishoma,
You've blessed my day with your comments.
You are right, it is always a "tragic and senseless situation." It is also sinful. Instead of demonstrating love, the abuser demonstrates their control over another human being. Tragic indeed!
Jean Ann,
I just visited your site. I am impressed with your writing and your transparency. Your site will be a blessing to those who are slogging through the grief process of losing a loved one because of suicide.
You are a courageous woman, Jean Ann. Keep on writing. Your ministry is important.
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