At least 1.8 million women are battered every year in the U.S. They never expected to be abused. They never expected the men they love would hurt them. Yet, one day they woke up and realized their life is in shambles. They found themselves living in fear, constantly looking over their shoulder and walking on eggshells to avoid making their partners angry. That’s because his anger is expressed with fists, broken dishes, slaps and bruises. But they don’t know if it can be any different. They are afraid. Afraid of what he might do if they take the children and leave. Afraid of not having a safe place to go. That’s why it’s so important to educate people about domestic violence. We all need to be on the lookout for women and children who are trapped in seemingly impossible situations and let them know that there is a way out. There is a place they can be safe, and there are people who care, and that No Woman Deserves to be Abused. Because October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, please join me in helping these desperate women and their children. Please, pray with me every day for those who are being abused. Pray for courage and safety for these precious families. Pray that they will be able to find their way to Shepherd’s Gate or someplace safe and get the help they need. And pray that they will be able to leave the abuse behind and find comfort, hope and healing in the arms of Jesus. If you, or someone you know needs help, please contact us immediately at: 925-443-4283 or shepgate@shepherdsgate.org. As you pray for abused women and children this month, feel free to share your thoughts and prayers in the comments section below. We will share them with the women and children who are being helped here at Shepherd’s Gate.