This post is part of a continuing series about child abuse and parenting. At the end of this article are links to the other posts on this subject. If the links do not work, go to www.carolyncholland.wordpress.com , click on the folder CHILD ABUSE, and scroll down the posts to find answers to your questions. Some applicable devotions will be filed in the DEVOTIONS folder.
Although abuse victims learn to accept their worthlessness, there is hope for those who are caught in abusive lifestyles and for adults suffering the effects of childhood abuse, even though remnant effects of the abuse may never leave. The cycle of abuse can be broken—in your own life and in your children’s lives. Abusiveness is learned behavior. As such, it can be unlearned through education. A new, healthy, lifestyle can be learned through education. New, healthy, behavior must replace the destructive, abusive, behavior.
Identification and acknowledgement of abusive behavior and its cyclical nature is a starting point. It leads to the decision to stop the abuse, which moves towards breaking its cycle.
Escaping/healing from the abuse is a process that takes time. However, if behavior is dangerous to self or others, protective steps are needed even if the “process” is not completed. To escape safely, a plan is needed. Return tomorrow to read a post on a “plan.”
Education is important. Victims may instinctively know that the abuse is wrong, but cannot “put it together.” Education can help them understand what is happening, can fit the pieces of the puzzle together.
Claiming the right to wholeness and healing means dealing with unbearable pain and facing the unknown. It is both frightening and empowering.
Hope is essential. Why work for something that is hopeless? Real hope, however, must be based on fact, not fantasy.
Strong belief in God’s goodness, prayerful communication with Him, and prayers of supportive Christians can pull you through rough times.
Outside support is necessary. There is help for you. Women’s shelter/groups, knowledgeable neighbors/relatives, mental health agencies and churches are resources.
The real hope is that the chain of violence can be broken. Good luck!
Hope for Victims of Domestic Violence
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CAROLYN’S COMPOSITIONS
HOPE FOR THE VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
This post is part of a continuing series about child abuse and parenting. At the end of this article are links to the other posts on this subject. If the links do not work, go to www.carolyncholland.wordpress.com , click on the folder CHILD ABUSE, and scroll down the posts to find answers to your questions. Some applicable devotions will be filed in the DEVOTIONS folder.
Although abuse victims learn to accept their worthlessness, there is hope for those who are caught in abusive lifestyles and for adults suffering the effects of childhood abuse, even though remnant effects of the abuse may never leave. The cycle of abuse can be broken—in your own life and in your children’s lives. Abusiveness is learned behavior. As such, it can be unlearned through education. A new, healthy, lifestyle can be learned through education. New, healthy, behavior must replace the destructive, abusive, behavior.
Identification and acknowledgement of abusive behavior and its cyclical nature is a starting point. It leads to the decision to stop the abuse, which moves towards breaking its cycle.
Escaping/healing from the abuse is a process that takes time. However, if behavior is dangerous to self or others, protective steps are needed even if the “process” is not completed. To escape safely, a plan is needed. Return tomorrow to read a post on a “plan.”
Education is important. Victims may instinctively know that the abuse is wrong, but cannot “put it together.” Education can help them understand what is happening, can fit the pieces of the puzzle together.
Claiming the right to wholeness and healing means dealing with unbearable pain and facing the unknown. It is both frightening and empowering.
Hope is essential. Why work for something that is hopeless? Real hope, however, must be based on fact, not fantasy.
Strong belief in God’s goodness, prayerful communication with Him, and prayers of supportive Christians can pull you through rough times.
Outside support is necessary. There is help for you. Women’s shelter/groups, knowledgeable neighbors/relatives, mental health agencies and churches are resources.
The real hope is that the chain of violence can be broken. Good luck!
ADDITIONAL READING:
CHILD ABUSE SERIES—
CHILD ABUSE DEFINITIONS
TYPES OF ABUSE
CHILD ABUSE AND SCRIPTURE
ARE YOU PUNISHING OR DISCIPLINING YOUR CHILD?
CHARACTERISTICS OF ABUSIVE FAMILIES
CHILD ABUSE CREATES VICTIMIZATION
The Cycle of Abuse in Domestic Violence
DEVOTIONS ON ABUSE---
Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath
THOSE WHO DO EVIL HAVE NOT SEEN GOD: A Devotion on Child Abuse
And who will reach the downtrodden? Lent Devotion #18
ARTICLES ON ABUSE---
WILL YOU LOVE ME TO DEATH?
SHOULD INFORMATION ON AN ALLEGED CHILD ABUSER BE PUBLICIZED?
WILL YOU LOVE ME TO DEATH?
BUTLER STREET
BEYOND THE ROCK
DUST MOTE
THOUGHTS FOR DAVID
REACH OUT
A PIECE OF ME
THE WELL-ADJUSTED CHILD
CHILDREN LEFT HOME ALONE (or in cars alone)
ANOTHER HORRIFYING HEADLINE
KILLED STRANGELY: A NEW ENGLAND MURDER STORY
THE HOLOCAUST STORY OF A TEENAGE VICTIM (Part 1)
MY HAPPY PLACE
VOICES OF WILDERNESS: PEACE MEETING
DOES EXAGGERATING THE TRUTH CREATE GOOD STORIES?
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http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
http://www.methodists-care.org/