By Nancy Virden (c)2024

The definition of domestic violence is abuse against the person with whom you live and are in a romantic relationship. Your parents, children, and siblings do not fall under that category. Co-workers do not either. Other terms to cover these types of abuse include elder and child abuse. (https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-abuse-5212239)

Violence is judged at times on a spectrum. Your husband hit you? How many times? Were you hurt badly? Why don’t you leave? Your wife claws you? Kicks you? Why do you not stop her? Often, victims are blamed or accused of inciting or failing to prevent the crime.

Domestic abuse comes in all shapes and sizes. It ranges from pinching hard to tripping or shoving to beating and killing. We might question if it is domestic abuse if the hitting happened only once. The answer is Yes. What if it didn’t hurt that much? Ignoring the various ways people can accidentally hurt another, ask a counselor or professional if what you experienced was abuse. Ask yourself, would I want that to happen to my children?

Domestic violence tends to repeat and grow more harmful over time. Stopping it early is important. I’m a fan of healthy marriages. Staying in a relationship with the person who is violently hurting you is not in your best interest in the long run.

To Christian wives in such a situation, I say leave for your safety and learn to let the Lord be your husband; don’t look for another human to meet your needs. “For your maker is your husband, the Lord of Hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth” (Isaiah 54:5).

To Christian husbands attacked by a wife, I say find your power in God. “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies” (Zechariah 4:6).

Do not enable another person’s sin by making excuses for it, and staying in the line of fire. The only way to begin healing from abuse is to stop the abuse.

See my references pages to find help. https://alwaysthefight.com/here-is-help/the-truth-about-abuse/

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Matthew 11:28

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me…“-Jesus

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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