Healing the Wounds of Trauma

Alcohol, drugs, and other stresses in life canmake abuse happenmore easily but are not the root cause of domestic abuse. ❂❂ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION Summarize the reasons you think people remain in abusive rela- tionships already stated, and add any others that come to mind. Get feedback in the large group and then conclude with anything from the list below that has not already been mentioned. Abuse victims may: • depend on the abuser for income and not be able to survive financially without him or her. • believe they cannot survive emotionally on their own. The abuse humiliates them to the point they think they do not deserve respect. • believe it is normal to be beaten, threatened, and insulted, or that it is wrong to leave their spouse. • be afraid of the consequences of resisting the abuser. • feel ashamed to let anyone know what is happening in their home. This is especially true if churches foster the idea that Christians should never have this problem. • really love the abuser. 5. How can we help victims of domestic abuse? ❂❂ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION How can victims of domestic abuse be helped? If you are a victim of domestic abuse, what has been helpful for you? Get feedback in the large group and then conclude with anything from the list below that has not already been mentioned. • Listen: Victims need someone they can talk to, but this can be difficult because often abusers isolate their victims from contact with others. • Avoid marital counseling: Don’t recommend the couple to see a counselor together because often abusers act kindly in front

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Domestic Abuse