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What if I am a victim?

What should I do if I believe I am a victim of domestic violence?

Love is defined in I Corinthians 13:4-7 as being “patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.”

Domestic violence indicates an imbalance of power and control.  Domestic violence is more than just physical.  Domestic violence can occur in other areas as well.  Listed here are descriptions of types of abuse.

Domestic violence can be:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial abuse
• Spiritual abuse

You may be:

• Hit, shoved, slapped, kicked, punched or choked
• Threatened
• Called names
• Accused of being “crazy”
• Manipulated with scripture
• Denied equal access to finances
• Kept from friends or family

 Domestic violence can exist between

• Dating couples
• Married couples
• Fiancés
• Ex spouses
• Non-married cohabitating  couples
• Adults 
• Teenagers

If you recognize any of these types of abuse as a pattern in your intimate relationship you are a victim domestic violence.

What should I do if I believe I am a victim of domestic violence?

• Trust and believe in yourself
• Contact a counselor at a domestic violence agency
• Contact a pastor/spiritual leader and a friend you can trust
• If you decide to stay in a violent environment, develop a safety plan
  

Resource websites:

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Family Violence Protection Fund

FaithTrust Institute