We at Just Between Us want to help. We’ve compiled a list of articles about dealing with abuse─perhaps one of them will speak to your circumstances. We encourage you to pray, seek godly counsel, and reach out to a trusted friend.

You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

You don't have to deal with abuse!

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You are a treasure.

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Let that sink in.

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God knit you together in your mother’s womb. He knew you and loved you before you were born (Ps. 139:13-16). “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are” (1 John 3:1a, NLT)!

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Nothing can change that fact.

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If you, or someone you know, is dealing with abuse, here’s what you need to know:

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1.  It’s not your fault. Nothing you have done or will do excuses the abuser’s behavior.

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2.  You don’t deserve this. Every human being deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

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3.  You can’t change someone else. You will never “be” good enough to change them. They have to want to change.

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4.  There is hope. “We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us” (Heb. 6:18b-20a).

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5.  You are not alone. Help is available. If you don’t have anyone you trust to confide in, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than one in three women (35.6%) and more than one in four men (28.5%) in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

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There are many types of abuse — physical, verbal, emotional, financial, spiritual, and sexual, to name the most common. The abuser may not be your spouse or significant other; it could be a boss, co-worker, family member, spiritual leader, or even an acquaintance. Abuse can take the form of harassment, stalking, excessive or abusive texting, or online intimidation.

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So what can you do? Here is what  National Domestic Violence Hotline recommends:

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1.  Practice self-care. Make sure you meet your basic needs, such as adequate sleep, regular meals and physical activity. Other ways of practicing self-care may involve seeking counseling, attending a support group, praying, talking to friends, or taking up a hobby.

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2.  Create a safety plan. This may include practical ways of remaining safe while in a relationship, as well as a personalized plan to leave the relationship, if necessary, and remaining safe after leaving.

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3.  Reach out for help. Confide in a trusted friend, family member, or counselor. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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