ABUSE: Steps That Can Save Your Life

Feb 1, 2004
2 minutes read time

Here are some steps you can take to free yourself and your children from abuse.

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Here are some steps you can take to free yourself and your children from abuse.

  • Ask God for help. Psalm 9:9 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 wise counsel. What you need to do and the action you need to take are some of the most important decisions you will ever make. God's ministers are available to help you make wise decisions. Proverbs 2:10-12 reminds us, "When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil."
  • Talk to a friend, minister or family member who can help. Do not be ashamed! It is not your fault that your spouse cannot control his anger!
  • Leave! There are emergency shelters in all major cities that will take you and your children. Search on the Internet for resources.
  • Call the police.

If you are a child or teen, and a parent is abusing you, talk to someone. It is not your fault! The abuse will not stop until you get help. No one has a right to touch you where you are uncomfortable or beat you. Parents who love you and want the best for you will correct you out of love, not out of rage. Correction from a loving parent should not leave you ashamed or in constant fear.

Remember, God will see you through and help you every step of the way. So take action, get help! Your life and your children's lives may depend on it. Mine did!

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Janet Treadway

Janet Treadway was born in Washington, D.C., but was raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. She started attending the Church of God with her mother at the age of 14 along with her twin brother, Jim.

She was baptized at the age of 19 in 1974. She has been involved in various activities, such as serving as the managing editor of UCG’s first teen magazine UsTeens, which was distributed worldwide and published in English and Spanish.

Janet’s first love is writing. She has contributed many articles in various publications such as Vertical Thought, Virtual Christian Magazine, United News and others. Her article “Take Action, Your Life May Depend on It” is also featured in the reprint “The Cycle of Abuse.” Janet draws from her own life’s experiences and challenges when she writes and is motivated to give readers hope that God will see them through anything.

Janet has worked in the home office of the United Church of God since 1998. She is married to Charles Treadway and has four children, David, Michelle, Michael and Josh, as well as six grandchildren and two granddogs, Jo Jo and Vinny.