October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. It’s an ugly and uncomfortable topic. But, it is important to talk and write about it openly. To bring awareness to this prevalent problem in our society. As light exposes this issue, people who are caught in this destructive trap can ask for and receive the help they need.

Victims of domestic violence experience trauma as the abuser controls, dominates and has power over their victim. Often, the victim loses their “true” self to keep the abuser “happy” so that the abuser will quit hurting the victim. But, this never works out because the abuser isn’t honest about who they really are. They play a game where they are the only ones who win. They must keep their victim off balance so that they have the upper hand in the relationship. The abuser is not capable of healthy, sustainable love.

If and when the person being abused wakes up to the situation, they will realize that their relationship is a lie. They begin to understand that the problem lies in the abuser’s heart. God’s love can change the hardest and most deceitful of hearts. But, God’s love (nor the victim’s love) will ever be enough to change the abuser who chooses to continue abusing.

Heavenly Father, You are the God “Who saves me from my enemies...from a violent man You rescued me.” (Psalm 18:48 NIV) You hear the cries of the oppressed, the bullied; the down trodden. The way You rescue a person is often nothing like we imagine. But, O the joy that follows when spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health is restored in a person’s life. You are a Warrior and You love Your children. Amen.

Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;

He got you out in the nick of time.

He spoke the Word that healed you,

that pulled you back from the brink of death.

So thank God for his marvelous love,

for His miracle mercy to the children He loves;

Offer thanksgiving sacrifices,

tell the world what He’s done—sing it out! Psalm 107:19-22

National Domestic Violence Hotline

can help victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Call 1-800-799-7233