Safety
A recent news article argues that domestic abuse is handled poorly by "The Church."
Dear Reader, it is beyond the scope of this blog to answer all aspects of this statement, but feel free to read the article first hand.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-18/domestic-violence-church-submit-to-husbands/8652028
There does need to be one key point made and that is of safety.
Often those who are in domestic abuse situations believe they need to resolve these situations while physically located with the accused perpetrator. To "stay with" their spouse.
Resolution of conflict is vital, but this resolution can be handled equally well while the parties involved are parted and those abused are in a place of safety. With this grounding in place, those abused can find equilibrium and decide the best course to move forward.
Those who look on, not involved directly in this particular situation should offer support for both parties. How this support plays out can differ.
Offering places of safety both physically (a spare room or two), emotionally(a listening ear, transport to counselling sessions) and spiritually(prayer and inclusiveness with community) to those abused can demonstrate the truth of the Kingdom of God, which is, humanity, both male and female are the image of God and thus both are to be respected by one another.
To the perpetrator of domestic violence, a community of faith must demonstrate enactment of "good relationships" between the sexes. To state publicly what is expected between husband and wife and to show this to be true. Offering the perpetrator a way of healing from the issues which cause this behaviour, while preventing them from continuing to deny the issue at hand, or to act in this way with their victim.
To be clear, to any one in a domestic situation of abuse, ask for help and do so from a place of safety. If this means moving out or making the abuser move, then so be it.
Only with safety can healing ever come.
Dear Reader, it is beyond the scope of this blog to answer all aspects of this statement, but feel free to read the article first hand.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-18/domestic-violence-church-submit-to-husbands/8652028
There does need to be one key point made and that is of safety.
Often those who are in domestic abuse situations believe they need to resolve these situations while physically located with the accused perpetrator. To "stay with" their spouse.
Resolution of conflict is vital, but this resolution can be handled equally well while the parties involved are parted and those abused are in a place of safety. With this grounding in place, those abused can find equilibrium and decide the best course to move forward.
Those who look on, not involved directly in this particular situation should offer support for both parties. How this support plays out can differ.
Offering places of safety both physically (a spare room or two), emotionally(a listening ear, transport to counselling sessions) and spiritually(prayer and inclusiveness with community) to those abused can demonstrate the truth of the Kingdom of God, which is, humanity, both male and female are the image of God and thus both are to be respected by one another.
To the perpetrator of domestic violence, a community of faith must demonstrate enactment of "good relationships" between the sexes. To state publicly what is expected between husband and wife and to show this to be true. Offering the perpetrator a way of healing from the issues which cause this behaviour, while preventing them from continuing to deny the issue at hand, or to act in this way with their victim.
To be clear, to any one in a domestic situation of abuse, ask for help and do so from a place of safety. If this means moving out or making the abuser move, then so be it.
Only with safety can healing ever come.
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