Domestic Violence & Church

Some would wonder, is domestic violence really in the church? Sadly the answer is yes, domestic violence is in the church. Many would beg to differ, but I know it’s true because I was actively involved in my church but still caught in the vicious cycle of abuse. Now he on the other hand was not an active church goer and certainly was not interested in becoming involved. When I found the courage to ask for help, the church I was attending wasn’t well equipped to handle domestic violence. Unfortunately most churches still aren’t prepared to handle it. Some situations are serious enough that it requires more than just prayer. It requires a judgement free environment, housing, food, clothing, counseling, treatment, support, advocacy, patience and a lot of time.

The church (body of Christ) needs to educate itself about domestic violence and find ways to educate it’s parishners. Domestic violence carries so much guilt and shame but it’s a shame when the church will not uncover the abuse by discussing it. Of course this is not all churches but there are so many that refuse to open itself to really helping those in need.

How should the church help victims of domestic violence?                                    

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