Domestic Abuse

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is a controlling behaviour that the abuser uses to gain authority and dominance over the victim. The power dominance can be over a spouse or family member.

Domestic abuse impacts people of all ages and from all walks of life. While women are more frequently victims, men are also subjected to domestic abuse.

In the United States, almost 20 people per minute are abused by their partners. This corresponds to more than 10 million women and men in a single year, as reported by the National Intimate Partner Survey of 2010.

A third of African women had been victims of domestic abuse. In South Africa, a domestic partner kills a woman every eight hours. Around 51% of African women have been beaten by their husbands, as documented by the World Bank organisation.

God’s thoughts on domestic abuse

Our God is a God of love, peace, and harmony. Where there is abuse, these three things are missing. The book of 1 Corinthians chapter 13 reflects God’s standard for us when it comes to loving each other as God loves us. Also, the fruit of the Holy Spirit demonstrates the type of character we should develop to live in peace and harmony with others. As Christians, the word of God gives us many clear directions on the value He places on love, peace, and harmony in our lives and homes. It, therefore, means God is very much against domestic abuse, as it doesn’t promote the practice of living the word of God. If God doesn’t condone or tolerate domestic abuse, neither should we.

What are the signs of domestic abuse?

Here are some red flags to look for:
● Constant put-downs
● Irritation, fits of rage, easily upset
● Threats and violence
● Possessiveness
● Jealousy

If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, you need to recognise that these red flags may lead to domestic abuse. Galatians 5, verses 19 to 21, also states that ‘fits of rage is the workings of the flesh and therefore not of God’s nature and should not be condoned by any individual.

It might be challenging to retain a sense of balanced reasoning when someone who claims to love or care about you is threatening you or showing signs that they may hurt you. You might even want to point the finger at yourself and excuse it away. Remember that threatening to hurt or showing signs that you may be hurt is never acceptable. Do not underestimate these warning signs as they can quickly escalate to a state of violence against you, with possible long-term damaging effects.

Domestic abuse includes things like –

● Scratching, biting, grabbing
● Burning
● Pushing, Punching, and slapping
● Destroying valuable items or things
● hurling items at you to injure or intimidate you
● Causing or threatening to cause harm to your children or pets
● Making you feel weary by disrupting your sleeping routines.

In conclusion, do not ignore the signs and impacts of abuses in your life. Doing so limits God’s best for you and your life aspirations. Find ways to start your healing process. Whilst not speaking to experts may not be readily available to you, however, you can begin to take steps towards effective self-healing Christian options like meditation, prayers, scripture declaration immersion, identity in Christ refocusing and retreats.

Remember, life is not a rehearsal. God always wants you to choose freedom in Jesus Christ. To be free, you have to decide to be 100% responsible for the change you want to see in your life, even though you may be 100% blameless for the life challenges you find yourself facing. As such, be ready for change. As the solution to overcoming life challenges will usually involve a combination of spiritual insights and practical professional skills, on things God will show you to do to surge ahead. As always, remain blessed with divine health and wellbeing.

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