God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the One who saves me from violence. (2 Samuel 22:3)
The Christian marriage should be a haven of safety and comfort. The Christian family should be a refuge where hearts are tightly knit together with God's unfailing love. So it is especially disturbing when violence finds its way into relationships that were intended as refuge from the storm, not the storm itself.
Sadly, statistics tell us that between half and two thirds of couples will engage in spousal violence during the course of marriage. Even more saddening, research reveals that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 11 boys are sexually molested by the age of 18, and half of these are victims of familial incest.
Such numbers are unthinkable to some. But if you are among the numbers, it becomes something you can't stop thinking about. Unfortunately, silence is how many decide to deal with abuse in marriage or family - and silence is the exact opposite of what will bring change. Silence only deepens the pain and allows the pattern to persist.
If you or a loved one has a pattern of violence, uncontrolled anger, aggressive and fearful intimidation, or physically imposed sexual conduct, decide today that you will no longer remain silent, but will seek help. Your tomorrows do not have to be like your yesterdays. Change begins today. Decide today that physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, or any form of domestic violence will no longer be tolerated. There is no excuse for abuse!
