In California, 4 out of 10 women will be abused at some point in their lifetime. That’s 4 out of 10 of our neighbors, our coworkers, our friends, our daughters. If you’re like me, you’re probably shocked by these numbers, but the truth is, even one woman suffering domestic violence is one woman too many. For some women, the cycle begins early in childhood with an abusive parent. For others, they seemingly have it all together until they meet a man whose loving attention starts to become dangerously controlling. Regardless of a woman’s background, regardless of what circumstances brought her to be abused, no woman deserves to suffer violence. No Woman Deserves to Be Abused! As painful as the bruises are on the outside of a woman’s body, they don’t even remotely compare to the wounds on her heart. Whatever confidence she once had is shattered. If the man she loves can be so cruel to her, is she even worth anything? Some even come to believe that the abuse is their fault, that if they could just be a better partner, the beatings wouldn’t happen. And if a woman has children, she feels even more pressure to stay. That’s why domestic violence awareness is so important. These women need to know that no abuse is okay, not ever, and that there is a safe place they can run to. A place where they will be loved and supported as they heal and get back on their feet again. A place where their children will be safe and well fed. That place is Shepherd’s Gate.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact us at: 888.216.4776 or shepgate@shepherdsgate.org.
During October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, won’t you join us in a concerted effort to pray for women and children who still need to escape? Please feel free to share your thoughts and your prayers in the comments section below.
Photo Courtesy of UMaine