By Sheila L. Jackson

Domestic violence affects thousands of women and young teenage girls each year. Why do so many women live with it, instead of moving out and getting help?

Financial reasons (They believe that they cannot make it on their own).
Many stay because of their children
Fear
They confuse it with love
Many are brainwashed into believing that no one else will want them

When domestic violence occurs, in many cases people will say, “What did she do to make him so angry?” Whatever the situation maybe, no one deserves to be beaten, kicked, or choked. But domestic violence is not just physical; it can be mental.

We should think before we act, because violence can show up in the best of us. It affects the young and the old, black or white, as well as the rich and the poor. Domestic violence does not discriminate. Just turn on your televisions, you will see that high profile athletes and celebrities are battling the same issues of abuse. Christian or non-Christian, this illness will rear its ugly head in the least likely of places.

Yes, thousands of women are being abused each year by their boyfriends and spouses, but what about men? Although many of them will never reveal that they have experienced abuse from their female counterparts, it does exist. Violence is never acceptable, whether from male or female.

If you are being abused, remove yourself from the situation and get help now, because your life is at stake. Love doesn’t hurt.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

For the Deaf
1-800-787-3224 TTY