Domestic violence is once again in the headline news. The NFL is under attack for how they handled one of their players in regards to his beating of his then-fiancée in an elevator. We have all probably seen the news clip of the fight in the elevator. Ray Rice, player for the Baltimore Ravens, delivered a vicious punch to his fiancée’s face, knocking her out cold. While this made the news because it was in front of a camera, far more goes on with domestic violence that people don’t see.

One in four women will experience violence sometime in their lifetime. That is millions of women who will be affected by domestic violence. This is staggering! That does not include men who are enduring domestic violence as well. Just recently, a woman here in Cincinnati was arrested for trying to kill her husband by running over him with her car.

I’ve written about my own experience with abuse before. You can read my article “Take Action, Your Life May Depend on it” here: http://breakingfree.ucg.org/content/abuse-take-action-your-life-may-depe...

Why do women stay in an abusive situation?

Change—They think they can fix either him or her.

Isolation—They may feel alone and trapped and that there is no one to help them. Most abusers will isolate their victims.

Guilt—They feel that perhaps they deserved it, that it was their fault. Abusers will lay the guilt on others to keep from facing their own guilt.

Fear—They are fearful for their lives and their children’s lives.

Support—Many have no money or means of caring for themselves.

Shame—They are ashamed that this was happening to them.

Love—They love their abuser.

Christ showed us all what true love is

Christ humbled Himself and came to Earth to give His life for you and me. He took blows and beatings that we might live! He shed His blood for you and me that we might have eternal life. Many do not know what it means to be cherished and loved, loved in the way that God loves us. So then, why would God expect any woman to stay in an abusive situation like that when He so willingly gave His life for us that we might live? Christ can relate to our suffering—He took the abuse for us! Would your abuser be willing to take the blows the way that Christ did for you? Does God understand what you are going through? You bet He does, because He has been there!

There are countless women living with an abusive man today who do not understand what true love is. Satan, on the other hand, works through inaction. 

Ask God for help

In Psalm 9:9 it says, “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed. A refuge in times of trouble.” Refuge means protection or shelter, sanctuary, anything to which one may turn for help. God, our refuge, helped me, and He will help you.

Seek council, confide in a friend, and check for resources that can help you. There are emergency shelters in all major cities that will take you and your children. Search on the Internet for resources. The hotline for domestic violence in the United States is 1-800-799-7233. They can refer you to women's shelters and other services in your area. God is there for you!