October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. With this in mind, Fuller Life has created a resource page for those who wonder if their relationship is abusive, as well as those who may know someone in an abusive relationship.
*Safety Alert: Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your internet usage might be monitored, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.
Is My Relationship Abusive?
For those that wonder if their relationship is emotionally destructive, Leslie Vernick created an “Emotionally Destructive Relationship Quiz” to help create some clarity. At the end of the quiz is a description of how the selected answers match up with different types of destructive relationships.
What if someone I know may be in an abusive relationship?
Offer support without judgment of criticism. Let them know that they are not at fault and that they are not alone. Encourage them to get help and respect their decisions.
Check out this helpful resource for friends and family members of those in abusive relationships: Help for Friends and Family
If you think your friend is in danger, or you want more resources to bring to your friend, help is available 24 hours a day from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.
How Can My Church Help?
In a recent article, Churches and Domestic Violence, Chelsie Sargent created some excellent advice on how churches can be involved in being part of the solution for the violence in many families. “As a people called to participate in God’s healing of our world, the church is strategically aligned to be first responders to domestic violence. What would it look like to create a sheltered place where people can share the inner workings of their relationships? How do we develop a safe haven for women (or men) experiencing abuse in their marriage?”
Domestic Violence Resources
- Signs of Domestic Violence and Abuse
- Red Flags
- Create A Safety Plan
- Financial Tools for Survivors of Domestic Violence
- Help for Abused and Battered Women
- Private Online Support Group with Trained Advocates
Fuller Life is actively involved in creating support and healing for families in abusive situations. Since February of 2013, Fuller Life has offered free counseling services for domestic violence survivors in the crisis center at Katy Christian ministry. Fuller Life will continue to work as advocates for change with families and other Houston agencies in the years to come.
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